Newcastle man jailed over one-punch assault that killed his mate

A NSW Hunter man has been jailed over a one-punch assault which claimed the life of his mate in Newcastle in 2018.

Shane Holmes was sentenced to five years and nine months' jail with a non-parole period of four years and three months over the attack on Chad Hadden. 

A Supreme Court judge found Holmes struck Mr Hadden "suddenly and without warning" in what was essentially a "brain snap".

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The pair had been drinking at Queens Wharf Brewery on the afternoon of the assault on January 14.

Both were kicked out of the premises after a scuffle broke out between the pair due to a disagreement over cigarettes.

While they both went their separate ways, Mr Hadden doubled back and confronted Holmes on the foreshore.

The 47-year-old punched Mr Hadden once in his head, causing the 45-year-old to fall back and hit his head.

He died five months later.

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During a trial in the Newcastle Supreme Court earlier this year, Holmes claimed he was acting in self defence after being threatened by Mr Hadden.

In handing down his sentence today, Judge Stephen Campbell ruled otherwise, and also found Holmes "continued the violence by punching Mr Hadden another two or three times" as he lay on the ground.

Holmes showed no emotion as his sentence was handed down, but waved to his family as he was led away from the dock. 

Given he's been in custody since early 2019, the 47-year-old will be eligible to apply for parole in March 2023.