An alcoholic has been jailed for killing a father-of-four with one punch.

Labourer Michael Broom, 50, of Rhodrons Avenue, Hook, punched Mark Haley after a "petty dispute" about the right of way on the pavement outside Tesco in Hook Parade on August 21, 2011.

The BT engineer had only been out to buy a pint of milk.

He was airlifted to hospital after suffering head injuries from the punch that caused him to fall backward and hit his head on a pole.

Mr Haley, of Holmwood Road, Hook, spent two years in a coma before dying at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability in Putney on August 28 last year, leading to a fresh investigation into a manslaughter charge.

Broom has already served 31 months in prison for admitting grievous bodily harm without intent in November 2011, when Mr Haley was still alive.

Dressed in blue jeans, a white striped shirt and Reebok trainers at the Old Bailey today, he paused for a moment before pleading guilty to one count of manslaughter.

His defence counsel, Khalid Missouri, said: "Whilst he threw that punch - whilst it was a punch with force, it was not with full force. But he accepts that he threw a single punch and that was what caused his [Mr Haley's] death.

"He foresaw a bruise at most, he did not foresee a death. He is sorry.

"He has spent the last two years regretting his actions. He never meant for the victim to die. He never meant to cause the harm he caused."

Broom, also a father, was known in the area for being "the local drunk" and had drank two cans of alcohol on the day of the attack, the court heard.

The court also heard how he had been behind Mr Haley on a bike with a 14 year-old boy when the dispute started at about 6pm in front of witnesses.

He had also taken his shirt off before launching the punch, the court heard.

Judge Richard Hone QC was told about the impact of the attack on Mr Haley's widow and son through a letter.

Broom, who has 16 other previous convictions which include drunk and disorderly behaviour, using threatening behaviour and battery, was also said to have absconded from his bail terms at a hostel in Richmond when he was released.

But Mr Missouri said this had only been to keep away from the drink and drugs in the house.

During sentencing judge Hone told Broom: "You present quite a difficult sentencing exercise".

He said: "You pursued Mark Haley - getting in front of him. He asked you to leave him alone but you punched him in the face and he collapsed on the ground.

"For the next two years he never regained consciousness."

Broom was sentenced to two years in prison.

He had already brought along a bag with his belongings.