Son's tribute to 'amazing' dad Christopher King as his killer is jailed
The son of Christopher King has paid tribute to the "gentle giant" who was an "absolutely amazing dad" to him after his killer was jailed.
Daniel Sheardown revealed that the death of Mr King, 53, had caused a "massive" loss to his family. He told the court in a video statement that he and his father were subjected to a "completely unprovoked attack" in a park off Vane Street, Hull, on June 12 last year and Mr King died two weeks later as a result of his very serious injuries.
What happened was an experience that he never thought that he would be involved in and his family was "living in a nightmare". The loss of his father was "massive".
Mr King was a "gentle giant" who would help everybody out and he was always there for his son and wanted to make sure that he was okay.
"He was an absolutely amazing dad," said Mr Sheardown. "My life will never be the same without him." Mr Sheardown had felt mentally and physically drained since the incident.
"I haven't slept properly since this happened," said Mr Sheardown. "After he died, I didn't go out. I didn't do anything for about four months." He refused to leave his flat other than to clean and empty his father's flat.
Mr Sheardown was not yet ready to work and it was "the little things in everyday life" that he missed most about his father. He could not ring his father to ask him how his day had been.
Lance Kinsley, 22, of Spring Bank, Hull, was convicted of manslaughter but cleared of murder following a trial at Hull Crown Court in June. He was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment this week and was branded a dangerous offender. He will have to serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before the Parole Board can consider his release.
The court heard Kinsley came up behind the two men before attacking both of them, causing Mr King to fall heavily and hit his head on the path, knocking him unconscious and causing brain injuries and three fractured ribs.
Mr Sheardown suffered injuries during the incident, including a hole in his cheek. "I feel guilty that I am still here and my dad is not," he said. He felt that it was wrong that Kinsley had been released from custody on licence at the time of the attack.
"I am angry that we did not get the result that our family wanted," said Mr Sheardown – a reference to the fact that Kinsley was cleared of murder and convicted of manslaughter. He said that he could say more but he respected the rules of the court.
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