GATESHEAD MAN JAILED FOR MANSLAUGHTER AFTER BROTHER'S DEATH DURING DOMESTIC ATTACK
A violent bully who killed his partner's frail brother after he was told to stop attacking her has been sentenced to prison.Pearse Kavanagh, aged 46, of Coldwell Terrace, Gateshead, was found guilty of manslaughter and has now been jailed for nine and a half years at Newcastle Crown Court.
The incident occurred when Kavanagh, in an abusive and controlling relationship with Sarah McQueeney since 2019, attacked her brother Philip McQueeney in South Shields.
Philip, who was just 7.5 stone and in poor health, intervened when Kavanagh was assaulting Sarah, punching her repeatedly.
Kavanagh then turned his violence on Philip, punching and kicking him so forcefully that he caused a tear to his liver and internal bleeding, which led to his death.
The court heard that Philip suffered fractures to four ribs and internal tears before succumbing to internal bleeding.
Kavanagh had also previously assaulted Sarah, leaving her with injuries including black eyes, a bruised face, and a tender jaw.
He had pleaded guilty to assaulting her and denied manslaughter but was convicted by a jury.
Defending attorney Robin Turton stated that Kavanagh is an alcoholic attempting to improve himself.
Sarah McQueeney described her ongoing trauma, saying: 'With the help of various professionals I've come to recognize I was the victim of domestic abuse.
This culminated in the death of my brother, Philip, and I worry the fallout will have everlasting implications for me and my son.' She added, 'I'm still living in the house where it happened, and it's a constant reminder of what happened.' Philip's father also issued a statement expressing grief over the loss of his youngest child, emphasizing the tragedy caused by Kavanagh's violence.
