Jail for the man who choked his pal to death

AN alcoholic who choked his former best man to death used “extreme violence that was much worse than a drunken punch”, a judge said in sentencing.

David Warren Jack (46) had pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Rampersaud Ramnarine in Oldham, claiming he believed his victim was looking for a knife after an argument.

At Manchester Crown Court on Friday Jack was sentenced to five years and four months in prison and an extended five years on licence.

Jack, of Stott House, Oldham, and Mr Ramnarine, (53), had been friends for more than 15 years. The victim had been Jack’s best man at his wedding in 1997.

But during an argument in February, Jack put his arms around Mr Ramnarine’s neck and choked him. Judge Michael Henshell said the choking required “time and effort that was far more than a mindless, single punch.”

He added: “You could have released him so he was not fatally injured. The risk of death was extremely high. After that, was no attempt to call for assistance.

“Mr Ramnarine leaves a family who will miss him terribly. Your friendship was largely based on being chronic alcoholics.”