'He left us with a tear in his eye'

On the summer’s evening of August 24, he strolled into the pub and introduced himself as ‘Curly’, a playful poke of fun at himself and his baldness.

Spending the evening with his friend, Big Tony, he enjoyed a couple of pints and sang a few songs on the karaoke. He was happy, laughing, joking and enjoying his night in Bury town centre.

As he left he wished the staff ‘good night’, adding: “I had a wonderful night tonight”.

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Just minutes later he lay prone on the ground, barely conscious, and suffering from a fracture to the skull. He never regained consciousness. Two weeks later he died with his family by his side as his favourite Elton John song played.

Michael Dawson was just two weeks shy of his 79th birthday when he was attacked by Nathan Pilling last year. Pilling had been cycling on the pavement at speed whilst wearing a balaclava.

Mr Dawson shouted to him to get off the pavement. He was met with a violent confrontation. Pilling then fled, leaving Mr Dawson to die.

Pilling, 24, pleaded guilty on the day of his trial to manslaughter. Today, September 25, he was jailed for just over five years.

The courtroom at Minshull Street Crown Court was packed full of family and friends, neighbours and fellow hikers, all of which had a close relationship with Mr Dawson.

Taking to the witness box, his granddaughter, Natasha Fisch, said: “I’ve written this letter a million times in my head wanting to address the court on behalf of my wonderful grandad. Everything I have written doesn’t seem to do my grandad justice.

“There are no words to describe how much he meant to me. I live in constant distress and