'You were taunting him and hounding him in a pack': Leeds grandad killed in the doorway of his own home in Armley after being punched by violent offender

Glenn Smith died from a single blow inflicted by John Greechan at his home on Whingate Avenue, Armley, in the early hours of August 20 last year.

Leeds Crown Court heard Greechan and a four other men hammered on Mr Smith's door at 3.30am as they went in search for drugs.

The 47-year-old was attacked after he refused to source drugs for the men and told them to go away.

Michael Smith, prosecuting, said Greechan and two other men threatened to kick down the door to the terraced property when he refused to help them.

The prosecutor described how Mr Smith opened the door and was met by further aggression.

One of the group threatened Mr Smith with a bottle before 37-year-old Greechan swung a punch at him in the doorway.

Another man, Sean McCleary, kicked the door and was captured on CCTV footage making a stamping motion with his foot.

The blow caused an artery in Mr Smith's neck to rupture.

Paramedics were called but he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The prosecutor said: "It is the Crown's case that the blow killed Mr Smith and it follows that when the parties entered the property Mr Smith was either dead or dying.

"Others were aggressive at the entrance to the doorway but it was the defendant who delivered the blow, although others were in the vicinity and/or threatening violence."

Greechan was arrested after the incident and admitted striking Mr Smith a single blow with his fist.

The defendant said he had gone to his house in order to source drugs.

Greechan said he regarded Mr Smith as a friend but threw the punch after he "fronted" up to him.

Greechan, of Highthorne Grove, Armley, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Ms Rhodes said her father's death had lead to her giving up her job as a carer.

She said: "I would describe my dad as a person with a big heart.

"He would do anything for anybody.

"He obviously had his demons with drink and drugs."

Ms Rhodes described how she had suffered nightmares and panic attacks since the tragedy.

She added: "I felt like a zombie but forced myself to function as I have a four-year-old son that needed me.

"I constantly think about my dad and what has happened. I cry lots.

"I can't get my head around why my dad is not here.

"It did not need to happen. It was pointless."

"My son will never see his granddad again. I can't believe that someone would target my dad in the middle of the night. It is heartless and unforgivable."

The court heard Greechan has a long criminal record for assault, robbery and burglary dating back to the late 1990s.

He has also served a prison sentence for wounding.

Shila Whitehead, mitigating, said Greechan had expressed remorse over Mr Smith's death.

She said: "He did not shy away from what he had done and he accepted that he was responsible for the death of Mr Smith.

"This was not something that was premeditated or planned.

"This was an incident that happened on the spur of the moment."

Ms Whitehead said Greechan had been diagnosed as suffering from chronic mental health problems.

Greechan was given an extended prison sentence of 13 years and four months.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl QC, said the defendant continues to pose a serious risk to the public.

Greechan must serve a custodial term of nine years, followed by an extended licence period of four years and four months.

The Judge told Greechan: "You were taunting him and hunting him in a pack.

"You were at the forefront. You were the first person there and you were leading the group throughout.

"Mr Smith was a vulnerable man. He was in his late forties with health problems and substance misuse issues.

"You have a very bad record for violent conduct over a period of over 20 years.

"I have taken into account that you have mental health problems.

"But that did not cause you to take drugs and alcohol that night, nor did it cause you to use violence to try to enforce your will upon a man that night.

"You attacked this man in his own home. Somewhere he ought to be able to feel safe."