THE heart-broken mother of a man killed outside a bar told the court the family “were handed a life sentence” the moment her son died.

Cathy Bion repeatedly broke down into floods of tears while speaking at Basildon Crown Court yesterday.

Yesterday Dennie Griffiths, 28, of Hermitage Drive, Laindon, was jailed for seven years for manslaughter following his attack on Matthew Bion outside Reids, in Billericay.

Speaking in court Mrs Bion said: “We were served a life sentence and I hope you think of that every single day.

“The other day my granddaughter asked when she could see her daddy again as it’s been so long and it broke me.

“I try to explain he still loves them but it’s not enough for them right now they need physical love from him. My grandson asked about how and why his dad died and when I said he hurt his head, my grandson kept asking more questions.

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“We are struggling with the pain that’s been forced upon us and the deep sorrow and complete despair. I hope you have time to reflect on what has happened.

“I also hope you and the mothers never go through what we have done - I am very conscious of the mothers.”

She told the court, while crying, that it’s becoming more difficult to explain the situation to the children in a way they can understand.

Speaking during the sentencing, Mr Bion’s brother Patrick said: “I shared much of my life with Matthew and share many memories but know we will not have any more.

Echo: Tragic - Matthew BionTragic - Matthew Bion

“What is prominent in my mind is seeing my parents pull themselves away after giving him a final kiss and touch with him.

“He leaves behind two beautiful child who he was helping grow into wonderful people. While we will do everything we can for them it will never come near to the closeness he had with them.”