A FAMILY paid tribute to a father who died after being punched by a man who has been cleared of manslaughter.

Peter Wilmot suffered serious head injuries and died two days after the incident in Broad Walk, Hockley, in February.

Glen Cooper, 37, was cleared of manslaughter after a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

But Mr Wilmot’s family say they feel they haven’t got justice for the 41-year-old, who owned a computer repair business.

In a statement, they said: “Peter was an honest, quiet family man and a much-loved son, husband and brother, as well as the very proud father of two gorgeous sons, Joseph, ten, and Edward, four.

“His family and friends will forever miss him and all the good times they shared together.

“We are devastated that his life has been lost in such a tragic way.”

Mr Wilmot’s estranged wife, Stella, 41, said: “We don’t feel we have had justice.

“Peter was a kind and caring person. He was a big Spurs’ fan who loved taking his children to football, swimming and the cinema.

“Joseph says he has lost his best friend. I can’t describe howmuch his family are missing him. We are devastated.’’ Mrs Wilmot added: “Peter was my first love.

“We had been together for 22 years and married for 12. We had our problems, but were hopeful of resolving these and getting back together as a family, but that’s all gone now.”

The court heard the twomen got into a row after Mr Cooper, of Broad Walk, Hockley, spotted Mr Wilmot looking through Mr Wilmot’s wife’s letterbox and asked him what he was doing.

Mr Cooper then hit Mr Wilmot, who fell back and hit his head on the pavement.

During the trial there was discussion over whether Mr Wilmot had been hit once or twice, but after two hours of deliberation, a jury unanimously cleared Mr Cooper of manslaughter.

Det Chief Insp Martin Pasmore, of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “The jury listened intently throughout the trial and I accept their verdict.

“My thoughts are very much with Peter’s family who have conducted themselves with the utmost dignity in the most difficult of circumstances.”