A man has been sentenced to six years in prison after killing his biological father on Christmas Eve, just hours after learning of their relationship. Martin Greensmith, 37, of Crook, County Durham, had not previously met Steven Shevels, 61, until a chance encounter during a Christmas party at the Queen’s Head pub in Willington, County Durham.

During the gathering, Greensmith’s mother identified Shevels as his father. According to trial testimony at Teesside Crown Court, Greensmith initially rejected Shevels, telling him, “You’re my dad but I don’t want to know you.” The two engaged in several exchanges before Greensmith stepped outside to distance himself. Shevels followed him after being asked to leave the pub due to intoxication, leading to a further confrontation.

The court heard that Greensmith delivered a “powerful and aggressive push” to Shevels’ upper body, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on the concrete floor. Bystanders attempted to resuscitate Shevels, and emergency services spent more than an hour attempting to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the trial, Greensmith claimed he only gave a “gentle push” in self-defense, but the jury rejected this defense and found him guilty of manslaughter. At Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Jonathan Carroll noted Greensmith’s immediate anger and aggression during the incident.

Greensmith’s defense lawyer, Paul Rooney, described his client as “genuinely remorseful.” A pre-sentence report suggested Greensmith may have been overwhelmed by the sudden revelation of his paternal connection to Shevels.

In a victim impact statement, Chloe Shevels, daughter of the deceased, described her father as “a quiet and timid man” with a passion for nature and rock music. The court proceedings brought to light the tragic consequences of a family reunion that erupted into violence within hours.