THE family if a Wickford father of two who died after being assaulted outside a bar have spoken after his attacker was found guilty of manslaughter.

The verdict was reported on Basildon Nub News yesterday (Wednesday, 22 September).

In a statement the family of victim Matthew Bion say: "Enduring this court hearing has been a painful journey through the tragedy of Matthew needlessly losing his life.

"Matthew was a peaceful, gentle and caring man - it will forever bring his family and friends such pain that his life was taken through such reckless and unnecessary violence.

"As a family we take little joy from this verdict. In spite of our suffering we have never been vengeful, and had hoped for remorse but take some comfort from this outcome.

"We are very grateful for the diligence, hard work and support of the police, CPS and many others in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.

"We thank them for their dedication in securing some justice for Matthew and those so deeply affected by the void he leaves in our lives, especially for those of his two young children."