Sunshine Coast man sentenced to eight years in jail for one-punch manslaughter of popular football veteran

A 23-year-old Sunshine Coast man has been sentenced to eight years for fatally punching a man to death two years ago.

Jesse James Patrick attacked 53-year-old Bruce Steensen following a scuffle on Mooloolaba Esplanade in February 2014.

The conflict is believed to have been sparked after Mr Steensen criticised Patrick for abusing a taxi driver.

After the two came to blows, Patrick was caught on camera punching Mr Steensen from behind, resulting in his death.

Patrick, who apologised to Mr Steensen’s mother from the dock, was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Gloria Steensen says that in spite of her grief, she has no hatred towards Mr Patrick, and urges him to seek rehabilitation.

She is now dedicating her time to curbing alcohol-fuelled violence through the foundation, Just Let It Go, founded in her son’s memory.