A man fatally pushed his biological father to the ground in a County Durham pub beer garden on Christmas Eve last year, just hours after discovering they were related.
Martin Greensmith, 37, has been convicted of the manslaughter of his biological father Steven Shevels, 61, on Christmas Eve last year. Greensmith had acknowledged pushing his father but contested the manslaughter charge. Nevertheless, he was found guilty following a seven-day trial at Teesside Crown Court.
Incident at The Queen's Head
The incident occurred on Christmas Eve in the beer garden of the Queen's Head pub in Willington, with police called to the scene at around 4.45pm. It is understood that Greensmith had only discovered Mr Shevels was his father just "hours" beforehand, according to Chronicle Live.
Durham Constabulary revealed that "shortly after" receiving this news, Greensmith had been with Mr Shevels in the beer garden before shoving him, causing the 61-year-old to strike his head on the concrete floor.
Although Greensmith was initially amongst those who attempted to assist Mr Shevels, he departed the pub before emergency services arrived. He was arrested the following day — Christmas Day — at his home in Willington, with police revealing that an examination of his mobile phone showed he had been researching "involuntary manslaughter" and searching for solicitors.
Family and police response
Speaking following the trial, Mr Shevels' sister Angela said: "My brother Steven was the victim of an unprovoked act of violence that took his life far too soon. His passing has left a hole in all our hearts, and a future forever changed for all of his family, friends, and everyone who knew him."
Det Ch Insp Alfie Keane, from Durham Constabulary, who headed the investigation, said: "This is a truly devastating case. It shows how split-second decisions can have life-long consequences and an unimaginable impact on everyone around them. Our thoughts remain with Steven's family and friends at this difficult time."
An earlier family tribute to Mr Shevels stated: "We are heartbroken to announce the tragic death of Steven, who was taken from us far too soon. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends."
Sentencing scheduled
Greensmith is due to be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on October 21 this year.
