A MAN has been jailed for five years for the manslaughter of his partner following an argument on a night out.

Levi Ogden, 26, was out in Halifax with her partner Lloyd Birkby when he assaulted her on Silver Street in the early hours of November 3 last year.

Following an argument, Birkby, 27, of Elland, threw a phone at close range at Ms Ogden. It hit her on the neck, knocking her unconscious.

It was heard at an earlier hearing how the blow to her neck caused a haemorrhage and bleeding into her brain, which led to cardiac arrest.      

She was taken to hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Birkby was arrested from the scene and was charged the next day. He pleaded guilty on March 18 and was jailed today at Leeds Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Natalie Dawson, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “This case is a tragic reminder to all of what can happen when excessive force is used to try and resolve a situation. Levi’s death was completely unnecessary and demonstrates the perils of people resorting to violence.

“We welcome today’s sentence and hope it can bring Levi’s family some closure knowing the man who caused her death is now behind bars.

“Our sympathies remain with her family and friends and everyone who knew her and I would like to praise the bravery they have shown throughout the court process.”