Tarin Linfield, 21, has been jailed for over five years after being convicted of the manslaughter of loving father, Stephen Harrington, in Emsworth.

Stephen, 47, was discovered with a severe head injury on Marlpit Lane on July 23, 2022, and died two days later in hospital.

Linfield, of Common Road, Hambrook, pleaded not guilty to murder, but was found guilty of manslaughter and conspiracy to steal. He was sentenced to seven years, which was reduced to five years and four months due to his guilty plea. Additionally, he was given a 15-month sentence for conspiracy to steal, to run concurrently.

Joseph Butler, 23, of Priors Leaze Lane, Hambrook, pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted to conspiracy to steal. He was handed a 15-month suspended sentence.

Goldring, 21, was also charged with murder however died before the trial, rendering any statements made by him as inadmissible in court. He was found dead in prison while awaiting trial.

Prosecutors claimed that the group went to Marlpit Lane to steal from Stephen. A police investigation determined that he died from a severe blow to the head, likely caused by a wooden object.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Hicks commented, “Our thoughts continue to be with Stephen’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, and I hope this conviction and sentence for manslaughter will bring them some sense of closure.