Man guilty of stairway killing

A 24-year-old man was found guilty today of killing another man who died after being pushed from the top of a stairway, police said.

Anthony Bebbington was convicted of the manslaughter of 26-year-old Paul Howkins following a seven-day trial at Oxford Crown Court.

Mr Howkins died in hospital of a head injury on March 10, two days after he was shoved from the top of a stairway at Ruscote Arcade, Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Following the conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Joe Kidman, of Thames Valley Police, described the death as a "tragic incident".

He said: "Thames Valley Police carried out a thorough investigation and I am content that the jury have reached the conclusion that reflects the evidence heard in court.

"My thoughts, and that of the investigation team, remain with Paul's family as they work to cope with their loss."

Bebbington, of Ruscote Arcade, Banbury, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on December 15.