A father of four, charged with manslaughter was a happy man today after the Suva High Court today gave him a suspended sentence.

33 year old Savenaca Dakunituraga was convicted of manslaughter of Semi Seruvatu of Nausori on 20th July last year at Naduru.

The court heard that Seruvatu and Dakunituraga were drinking at a friend's place when an argument erupted between Seruvatu and a man named Jone.

Judge Justice Paul Madigan was told that Dakunituraga attempted to diffuse the situation and prevented Seruvatu from getting into the house where Jone was.

In the process Dakunituraga threw a punch, which landed on his head knocking him down, which caused him to hit his head on the concrete floor.

However he later revived and Dakunituraga tried comforting him.

The Court heard that Seruvatu was taken to the hospital the next day, and after seven days died due to haemorrhage secondary to head injury.

While passing his judgment, Justice Madigan said that Dakunituraga is the sole breadwinner of his family, has a clear record, co-operated with the police, made a heartfelt apology to Seruvatu's family and has spent 2 months in prison before being freed on bail.

Sentencing Dakunituraga for 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, Justice Madigan said that sending him to prison will serve no purpose and that he must be given an opportunity to continue his life with his family.