Ex-boxer guilty of killing fireman at Coventry bar

A former professional boxer has been convicted of the manslaughter of an off-duty fireman.

Paul Gibbons suffered brain injuries and died the following day

Shane Edward Walford, 33, who fought four professional and 12 amateur bouts, claimed to have struck Paul Gibbons, from Coventry, in self-defence.

Mr Gibbons, 41, who was celebrating his birthday, was felled by a single punch at a bar in Coventry on 26 October last year.

Walford was remanded in custody as sentencing was adjourned.

The attack happened at Millsy's cafe bar in Earlsdon.

Prosecutor Peter Grieves-Smith said Mr Gibbons had done "absolutely nothing" to provoke Walford.

The jury of six men and six women heard Mr Gibbons was "lifted off his feet" by the force of the punch and then struck his head on the ground.

Mr Gibbons, who suffered a skull fracture and injuries to his brain, died in hospital the following day.

Walford, whose address was withheld by the court, said he had hit Mr Gibbons but had done so in self-defence.

Very sad case. Much as I love Coventry it has a very violent underbelly. Shane Walford had built quite a reputation for himself as a 'hard man' but was said to have "calmed down" a bit while serving in the Paras. My brother met him while on active service in Afghanistan - unusually for a Para he actually spoke to my brother (they don't fraternise with other Regiments apparently) when he spotted him wearing a Cov City shirt. My brother knew all about his reputation back home and was pleasantly surprised that he seemed okay. Sadly it didn't last and a young family are left without a dad now. R.I.P. Paul Gibbons.