A DOORMAN at the Bijou Nightclub in Bingley has been jailed for four years for killing a man he ejected using a dangerous choke hold.

Ciaran Spencer, 25, was this afternoon unanimously convicted by a jury at Bradford Crown Court of the manslaughter of James Etherington.

Mr Etherington, 24, died ten days after Spencer took hold of him round the neck, rendering him unconscious, or almost so, before dropping him on to the pavement.

Spencer, of Green Head Drive, Utley, denied the unlawful killing of Mr Etherington after he was fatally injured in the early hours of November 25, 2017.

His life support machine was turned off after he sustained a traumatic brain injury, the week-long trial heard.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, told Spencer: “You and you alone moved from that which was necessary, proportionate and legal to that which was grossly inappropriate.”

He choked Mr Etherington and let him fall when unconscious, or almost so, on to the unyielding concrete, killing him.

Afterwards, tribute was paid to Mr Etherington by his family.

In a statement, they said: “James was only 24 years old when his life was so cruelly taken away, he had a real zest for life and bright future ahead of him.

“James was a wonderful son, brother and nephew. He was extremely popular with friends and work colleagues.

“As a family we are completely devastated and have been left with a huge hole in our hearts. Nothing will ever compensate the loss we feel which we will have to live with for the rest of our lives.

“James was so dearly loved by all who knew him and will forever be in our hearts and thoughts.”

Detective Sergeant Mathew Tunney, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “This case is a tragic reminder to all of what can happen when excessive force is used to resolve a situation.

“I hope it also sends out a message to those working in private security on the importance of complying with its standards of behaviour. “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of James Etherington and we hope this outcome will give them some comfort.”