Man jailed for Lithuanian killing

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A Lithuanian man who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a fellow countryman in Dungannon has been jailed for four years.

Donatas Velicka was assaulted twice in one night in November 2007.

The 20-year-old, who came to Northern Ireland to earn money for his studies, died two days after he was admitted to Craigavon Area Hospital.

Richardas Stonkus, 20, from Lambfield Drive in Dungannon was jailed for four years for his killing, on Thursday.

Another Lithuanian, Vaidotas Stirbys, 19, of Kalendra Court in Dungannon, admitted assaulting Mr Velicka causing him actual bodily harm.

He was ordered to serve 240 hours community service.

Omagh Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, heard the victim died after an attack on a night out in Dungannon on 6 November, 2007.

CCTV footage shows Stonkus kicking Mr Velicka as he lay on the ground.

Mr Justice Hart told the court a blow "struck by Stonkus was the third blow inflicted upon the deceased and it was the fall and impact of the deceased's head on the ground resulting from this blow that caused the death".

Both men expressed their regret about the death of Mr Velicka through their lawyers.

Mr Justice Hart said it was clear Stonkus "struck the deceased with some force" which resulted in his death and added Stirbys was in an "aggressive mood".

He also spoke of a victim impact statement he received from Mr Velicka's mother, who said her son came to Northern Ireland to improve his life.

"He promised us, his parents, not to leave us alone in our old age," she wrote.

"So these criminals ruined our lives as well as bringing much distress to our relatives and friends. They caused us immense pain that is still tearing my heart after my son's death."

The judge recommended Stonkus for deportation when he was released.