Man jailed for killing Telford factory worker

A 24-year-old man was today jailed for five-and-a-half years after killing a Telford factory worker by smashing a bottle of vodka over his head.

Mariusz Garbackz- ewski, who lived in Stanier Drive, Madeley, Telford, today admitted the manslaughter of Pavol Lazar, 30, whose body was discovered at a flat in Malinslee last October.

Garbackzewski also faced a charge of murder, but no evidence was offered by the prosecution.

The judge recorded a verdict of not guilty to the murder charge.

A second man, Andrezej Robasckiewicz, 37, of Forecourt Street in Madeley, Telford, was found not guilty of both murder and manslaughter, after the prosecution offered no evidence on both charges.

At Stafford Crown Court, Judge Simon Tonking heard how the victim, Garbackzewski and Mr Robasckiewicz had been drinking from two litre-bottles of vodka and began to play fight before the attack.

Mr Roger Smith, prosecuting, said Garbackzewski told police that Mr Lazar began to get "genuinely aggressive" against Mr Robasckiewicz when he stepped in. Garbackzewski said he also felt threatened by Mr Lazar, the court was told.

The court heard a fight then began between Garbackzewski and Mr Lazar.

Mr Smith told the court Garbackzewski smashed a bottle of vodka over Mr Lazar's head before punching him three times.

The two men then carried Mr Lazar onto a bed and left the house – but when Mr Robasckiewicz later returned to the flat in Farm Lodge Grove he found him dead, Mr Smith said.

Mr David Josse, for Garbackzewski, said: "He admits he did a terrible thing on that night."