A man has been found guilty of manslaughter for pushing over and killing his newly-discovered father in a pub garden on Christmas Eve. Martin Greensmith, 37, was convicted by a jury at Teesside Crown Court after deliberating for nearly six hours. He had learned that Steven Shevels, 61, was his biological father shortly before their encounter outside The Queen's Head pub in Willington, County Durham, on December 24.
Prosecutors argued that Greensmith caused his father's death in a fit of anger, while the defendant maintained he only "gently" pushed Shevels after feeling intimidated. The jury reached a majority verdict, with 10 out of 12 jurors finding Greensmith guilty.
Judge Jonathan Carroll ordered Greensmith to be remanded into custody, citing the "likely sentence" that would be imposed. Sentencing is scheduled for October 21.
Following the verdict, Shevels' sister, Angela, described her brother as the victim of an "unprovoked act of violence" that ended his life prematurely. She added that his death had left a void in the hearts of his family and friends, altering their future. Mugshot of Martin Greensmith - he has very faint stubble and short grey hair.