THE police officer who led the hunt for David Taylor's killer today paid tribute to the victim.
Det Insp Steve Chard said Mr Taylor had been loved by everyone who knew him.
His comments came after teenager Andrew McDonald was caged for five years for manslaughter.
McDonald headbutted David Taylor in the street in Rawtenstall causing him to collapse and die moments after the assault. David's parents said no prison sentence could ever bring their son back. Det Insp Chard said: "This was an unjustified and unprovoked assault on what can only be described as a likeable and loveable young man by his family and everyone who knew him.
"Whether a sentence reflects a crime is open to debate but no sentence can make up for the loss of a young man's life."
McDonald, 19, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at an earlier hearing after headbutting Mr Taylor in the street outside the Crown Pub.
Mr Taylor, 25, of Greendale Avenue, Newchurch, collapsed and died moments after the assault in Bank Street.
Preston Crown Court heard McDonald had been out drinking on July 17 and had seen Mr Taylor playing cards and darts in the pub.
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