A 20-YEAR-OLD looks set to be released from prison shortly despite admitting his part in an attack which left a man dead.

Nicholas Hague, of James Leigh House, Brick Street, admitted manslaughter and was sentenced to 18 months in prison after dramatically changing his plea to guilty following a day-and-a-half of legal wrangles.

Due to the time Hague has already served in custody, it is expected he will be released within the next few weeks.

His trial at Chester Crown Court had been due to get under way on Tuesday afternoon.

Gary Kneen, aged 31, died last November after he was attacked by Michael O'Hara on a footpath next to the railway line, near Marshall Gardens, Bridge Foot.

O'Hara was jailed for life for the attack in April while Hague admitted aiding and abetting O'Hara to assault him.

During the trial, the court was told O'Hara had stamped on his victim's head and continually kicked and punched him.

During legal argument on Tuesday, concerns were raised that the defendant's low IQ of 70 may have meant that, when he agreed with statements made in his police interview, he may not have fully understood what he was doing.

But the prosecution had said that he appeared able to agree or disagree to questions asked by the police.

Reference was made to a police interview where he appeared to agree that his intention was to get Gary Kneen to go out so he could be given 'a kicking' (by O'Hara).

Mr Kneen was born on the Isle of Man and worked for Manx airlines before moving to the north west.

Speaking after the case Detective Sergeant Nicola Mason said: "This has been a long and difficult process for the family. This is the sixth occasion they have travelled from the Isle of Man to assist in the prosecution. We would like to thank them for their dedication.

"The police and the family liaison officers are pleased that this case has come to a conclusion and that the offenders have been brought to justice. We hope this will allow the family to continue with their lives."