Waterford man who killed Kilkenny musician in unprovoked attack jailed for five years

A WATERFORD man who killed a talented Kilkenny musician in an unprovoked attack has been jailed for five years.

Craig McGrath (26) of Rathfaddan Park in Waterford city was on bail in relation to another unprovoked attack in a nightclub the previous year when he punched Damien O’Brien at least twice in the head in the early hours of July 7, 2018.

The 28-year-old musician from Kilmacow, who was a member of the group Chimpanbee, from died at Cork University Hospital on 13 July.

McGrath pleaded guilty to manslaughter in February.

On Friday, Judge Eugene O’Kelly imposed a five-year prison sentence for the manslaughter at Waterford Circuit Criminal Court.

A consecutive two and a half years was given for the assault, with two years of the latter sentence suspended leaving a net sentence of five and a half years.