A man has been jailed for over five years over the death of a “devoted father” who was hit over the head with a piece of wood.

Stephen Harrington, 47, died in hospital after being hit over the head and suffering a serious head injury.

After initially being charged with murder, Tarin Linfield, 21, of Common Road in Hambrook, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and conspiracy to steal.

Sussex Police Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Hicks said: “This is a tragic case that has resulted in the sudden and heart-breaking death of a completely innocent and much-loved family man.

“From the outset, we’ve had to rely on the defendants’ accounts to try and piece together the events of that night. Unfortunately, only those who were there will ever know exactly what happened.

The Argus: Tarin LinfieldTarin Linfield (Image: Sussex Police)

“Our thoughts continue to be with Stephen’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, and I hope this conviction and sentence for manslaughter will bring them some sense of closure.”

Stephen died in hospital on July 25, two days after he was found on land along Marlpit Lane near Emsworth.

Thomas Goldring, 21, and Joseph Butler, 23, were both also charged with murder following a police investigation.

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Goldring died in December 2022, meaning that none of his statements could be used as evidence in court.

Butler, of Priors Leaze Lane in Hambrook, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to conspiracy to steal.

The prosecution made the case that the trio had been in Marlpit Lane to steal from Stephen.

In a tribute released through Sussex Police, Stephen's family described him as "hardworking, devoted and fiercely loyal".

The Argus: Stephen HarringtonStephen Harrington (Image: Sussex Police)

"Stephen, our son, brother, husband, father, nephew, uncle, and dear friend, was taken from us in a cruel and brutal way," they said.

"His death has left us all devastated and heartbroken, with a hole in our lives that can never be filled.

"Stephen was a loving, doting father that prized every moment he spent with his daughter.

"He was hardworking and a devoted husband to his wife.

"Stephen’s love for his mother and sisters was unwavering and clear for all to see.

"He loved and is loved by all his nieces, nephews, and aunties, who will always miss Uncle Steve.

"He was a fiercely loyal and fun friend. If you ever needed him for anything, all you had to do was ask and he would be there.

"We are all going to have to learn to live with never seeing his smile, hearing his laugh, or just spending time with him again."

Linfield was sentenced to seven years in prison for manslaughter which was reduced to five years and four months due to his guilty plea. He also received a 15 month sentence for conspiracy to steal which will run concurrently.

Butler was also given a 15 month sentence for conspiracy to steal which was suspended for two years.