THE sister of a man who was killed while intervening in a drunken fight has paid tribute to her "wonderful brother".

Derek Szostok, aged 62, died after he tried to intervene during a drunken row between William Lynch and his brother at a flat in Moresby Close, Leigh, in the early hours of August 26 last year.

Lynch tried to punch his brother but missed and accidentally missed and hit Mr Szostok instead.

Mr Szostok fell and broke his neck, then, after a 10-hour operation, suffered a fatal stroke.

His life support machine was turned off four days later on August 30.

Lynch has today been jailed for four years and three months.

Derek's sister, Marie Szostok, said: “We are happy with today's result and that we can finally move on and grieve for our brother.

“It's been a very difficult time for us all, but hopefully this will bring some closure.

“Derek was a wonderful brother and he did not deserve to lose his life in this way.

“He was kind, loving and loyal and we will miss him forever.”

Lynch, of Morseby Close, Leigh, had been due to face trial at Liverpool Crown Court today, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter before it started.