A MAN has been found guilty of murdering a paramedic.

A judge has sentenced Michael Andrew Sanderson, of Arkleby Hall Cottages, Arkleby, near Aspatria, to life in prison.

He must serve a minimum of 14 years behind bars.

Sanderson had denied murdering Terence (Terry) Taylor.

But sentencing Sanderson to life in prison, Judge Michael Henshell said: "It ended his [Mr Taylor's] life in a drunken and inexplicable torrent of violence."

He added: "I'm quite satisfied that this is not a case where you intended to kill Terry Taylor but as the jury have found you certainly had the intention to cause him serious harm."

The 31-year-old told a jury at Manchester Crown Court that he had no recollection of the night which saw Mr Taylor, of Oldham, end up beaten to death in a Cockermouth pub.

However Sanderson accepted he was found covered in blood on the same night.

Retiring at about 1.10pm, the jury was told the difference between murder and manslaughter and asked to consider their verdict carefully.

After the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Roy Ledingham, who was the senior investigating officer, said: “Terry died as a result of severe trauma to the head caused by a serious and sustained assault.

“Terry and his family loved west Cumbria and would regularly travel from Oldham to stay in their caravan and enjoy the Cumbrian countryside. 

"On Saturday, 30th May Terry met up with some friends who form part of a pool league in the area, which included Sanderson. 

"Throughout the day the group were drinking and enjoying themselves across west Cumbria, ending the evening in Cockermouth. Tragically sometime between 1.30am and 2.45am Terry was murdered.

“Nothing will ever bring Terry back to life, however I hope today’s result will provide his family with some closure.

"Our thoughts remain with them during this difficult time.”