Hartlepool: Kieran Potts jailed for Norman Ryan attack

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Norman RyanImage source, Family photograph
Image caption,

Norman Ryan was attacked in his home in Hartlepool and died from his injuries

A man has been jailed for 14 years for killing a grandfather by attacking him in his own house.

Norman Ryan, 55, suffered injuries "so severe" he never regained consciousness in Hartlepool and died on 9 September 2022, Cleveland Police said.

Kieran Potts, 24, from the town, was found guilty of manslaughter following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Mr Ryan's family said their "hearts had been shattered" and his death had "left an unfillable void" in their family.

Detectives said Potts, of Moffat Road in Hartlepool, had showed "little compassion" to Mr Ryan's family by "putting them through the pain of a full trial".

Potts violently attacked Mr Ryan in his home in Troutpool Close.

Image source, CLEVELAND POLICE
Image caption,

Kieran Potts inflicted injuries that were "so severe" that Mr Ryan never regained consciousness

He was taken to hospital but died more than a week later.

In a statement released through Cleveland Police, Mr Ryan's family said they would "miss him enormously".

They added he was a "hero", "a confidant in testing times" and "a source of unwavering support".

He had a "heart of gold" and was "an entertainer" who was always singing Elvis songs.

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