Martin Greensmith, 37, has been convicted of the manslaughter of his biological father Steven Shevels, 61, following an incident on Christmas Eve last year
A man fatally shoved his biological father to the ground in a County Durham pub beer garden hours after finding out they were related.
Martin Greensmith, 37, has been found guilty of the manslaughter of Steven Shevels, 61, on Christmas Eve last year. Despite admitting to pushing his father, Greensmith disputed the manslaughter charge.
However, he was convicted following a seven-day trial at Teesside Crown Court. The incident unfolded at the Queen’s Head pub in Willington, with police being called to the scene at around 4.45pm. It is believed that Greensmith had only discovered Mr Shevels was his father just “hours” prior.
Durham Constabulary disclosed that “shortly after” receiving this news, Greensmith had been with Mr Shevels in the beer garden before pushing him, causing the 61-year-old to hit his head on the concrete floor, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Although Greensmith was initially among those who tried to help Mr Shevels, he left the pub before emergency services arrived. He was arrested the next day – Christmas Day – at his home in Willington, with police revealing that an examination of his mobile phone showed he had been researching “involuntary manslaughter” and looking for solicitors.
Following the trial, Angela, sister of Mr Shevels, expressed: “My brother Steven was the victim of an unprovoked act of violence that took his life far too soon. His passing has left a hole in all our hearts, and a future forever changed for all of his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.”
Det Ch Insp Alfie Keane, from Durham Constabulary, who led the investigation, commented: “This is a truly devastating case. It shows how split-second decisions can have life-long consequences and an unimaginable impact on everyone around them. Our thoughts remain with Steven’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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An earlier tribute from the family to Mr Shevels read: “We are heartbroken to announce the tragic death of Steven, who was taken from us far too soon. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.”
Greensmith is scheduled to receive his sentence at Teesside Crown Court on October 21 this year.