A MAN has been convicted of the manslaughter of Jack Mitchell at a nightclub in Stroud in a case that highlights the devastation a single punch can cause.

Jake Davies, 29 and of Bowbridge Lock, Stroud, was found guilty today, Friday following a week-long trial at Bristol Crown Court.

Judge Peter Blair QC handed down a jail term of six-and-a-half years. 

Officers were called to the Warehouse nightclub at 2.07am on Sunday February 5.

24-year-old Jack was being treated by paramedics but sadly died as a result of his injuries.

Davies had punched Jack on the upstairs floor, severing an artery in the process - a catastrophic injury that meant Jack could not be saved.

Prior to that moment there had been a brief standoff between Jack and Jake but no other contact was made before the fatal punch was delivered.

Today officers gave their reaction to the case and urged people to remember the dangers of a single punch.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Richard Pegler said: "It’s a day of mixed emotion as we are really pleased with the guilty verdict, but there are no winners here and a number of lives have been ruined.

"Jack was quite simply a great lad, he was clearly loved so much by his family and friends. We have lost a great member of our community, such a waste of a hardworking and giving young man. A loss shared with friends at Painswick Rugby Club and with his regiment.

"I don’t know why Jake Davies threw that punch, we will never know, but it was simply not justified. I am disappointed that Jack’s family have had to endure the stress and upset of a trial.

"This incident demonstrates just how fragile we are and the devastating effect that one punch can have - one punch because of a bump on a dance floor."

Davies was handcuffed and taken into custody to begin his sentence.