A man who admitted killing an innocent bystander during a violent altercation outside a Chichester pub has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
Kieran Egan, 31, of Baldmoor Lake Road, Birmingham, was sentenced at Hove Crown Court on Friday (April 4) after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of David Hallett, 57, who died outside The Dolphin and Anchor pub in West Street on June 20, 2024.
Earlier this year, Egan was found not guilty of murder following a trial, but admitted the lesser charge of manslaughter. A second man, Dyce Barnfield, 32, of Kingstanding Road, Birmingham, was also found not guilty of murder and manslaughter in connection with the case.
A third man, Daniel Inns, 43, of Billingham Road, Stockton-on-Tees, was sentenced alongside Egan after admitting affray. Inns received a 10-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, following a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court on February 3.
The court heard how David Hallett had been enjoying an evening out with colleagues when he became caught up in an incident sparked by escalating tensions among a group of men, including Egan and Barnfield. Inns, who had earlier been ejected from the pub for violent behaviour towards door staff, was known to Mr Hallett.
A fight broke out outside the venue around 11pm, during which Egan punched Mr Hallett with extreme force. Mr Hallett had been trying to calm others down, acting as a peacemaker, when he was fatally struck.
Despite emergency CPR efforts by police and paramedics, Mr Hallett was pronounced dead at the scene.
Egan was arrested immediately by a nearby officer and later charged with murder. Barnfield handed himself in on July 1, 2024, and was initially arrested on suspicion of affray. He was subsequently charged with murder in September, after it was alleged that his behaviour had encouraged the violence.
In a statement following the sentencing, Mr Hallett’s family said:
“We are disappointed with the sentence, particularly in respect of Egan given the level of violence he displayed throughout the incident.
“However, we would like to personally thank the investigation team, the Senior Investigating Officer, the Family Liaison Officers, the police dog handler who was quickly on scene, and all the staff and witnesses who came forward.
“Our thanks also go to the police officers and paramedics who fought to try and save David’s life. We thank you all.”
Detective Constable Elliott Lander, of the Major Crime Unit, said:
“Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of David, who lost his life in such tragic circumstances.
“What should have been a normal night out turned into a fatal incident due to Egan’s unacceptable and violent behaviour.
“David was brazenly attacked without any chance to defend himself. Egan will now have to live with the devastating consequences of his actions.”
DC Lander added that a quick-thinking police officer was able to arrest Egan within a minute of the fatal punch.
“This was an extremely complex investigation with many moving parts. I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this case to justice.”
