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Cpl Roberts, who was known as Robbo, had been on a night out in Blyth with three colleagues after attending a course in the town on 5 October, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

The gang targeted the soldiers because they were "not from the area", Ms Slaughter said, with the two groups gesturing at each other before Ibbotson repeatedly punched one of Cpl Roberts' friends.

Cpl Roberts, a sniper in the Royal Anglian Regiment based in Oakham, Rutland, died in hospital on 1 November having never regained consciousness, the court heard.

In a statement read to the court, Cpl Roberts' wife said the family had been devastated by his death.

The court heard glowing references of Cpl Roberts from his supervising officers.