The family of a murdered man who was battered to death have described him as a "beautiful personality with a gentle, loving soul".
Learoy Venner was killed aged 53 after being punched and kicked in a vicious assault by Kevin Spaine, who was found guilty of murder on Tuesday. The 43-year-old was jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years yesterday.
During his sentencing, a statement from the victim's sister Lisa Venner on behalf of the family was read out to Liverpool Crown Court. In it, she said: "Learning of the tragic passing of our beloved brother Learoy has been difficult for us as a family to comprehend.