TWO men have been jailed after killing a man on his work's Christmas night out.

Michael Nield, 25, of Owen Fold, Lees and Daniel Forster, 24, of Ashfield Crescent, Springhead were both involved in the death of 32-year-old Daniel Hogan.

Daniel Hogan was with friends in Uppermill on the evening of Friday December 21, 2018.

At around 11.10pm he became separated from the group and started to make his way home.

Daniel, who was seen to be drunk and unsteady on his feet, approached Forster and Nield to enquire about buying drugs.

An argument developed, leading to both Nield and Forster punching Daniel.

Nield punched Daniel in the nose with such force that Daniel fell backwards and hit his head on the cobbles.

Nield and Forster then ran away while two bystanders attempted to give Daniel first aid.

An ambulance was called and Daniel was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital, but was later pronounced dead.

Both men pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Nield was sentenced to six years and Forster was sentenced to four years.

Senior Investigating Officer, Duncan Thorpe, of GMP’s Major Incidents Team, said: “Daniel’s night began in high spirits, celebrating Christmas with colleagues in Oldham before travelling to Uppermill to end the evening.

“His aggressors would have been able to clearly see that Daniel had taken on drink and was unsteady on his feet.

“This was an unprovoked, unnecessary assault. Nield and Forster could just have walked away. Instead they jointly assaulted him, their anger and aggression ultimately cost Daniel his life.

“Despite the valiant efforts of two good Samaritans and the medical team, Daniel died – leaving his family with a gaping hole in their lives shortly before Christmas last year.

“Our thoughts remain with them as they continue to come to terms with their loss.

“We are pleased that Daniel’s killers have been brought to justice. They now have a long time to reflect upon the hurt they have caused.”