Pair not guilty of manslaughter over street death

Two men have been found not guilty of manslaughter over a man's death in a city centre shortly before Christmas 2023.

Abraham Cilliers, 48, died after an alleged altercation at the junction of Oxford Street and Bernard Street in Southampton at about 00:40 GMT on 22 December.

The father of one, of Osprey Gardens, Lee-on-the-Solent, suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at the scene, police previously said.

Darren Anthony Carter, 63, of Rothbury Close, Totton, and Luke Carter, 38, of Lackford Avenue in the town were cleared by a jury at Southampton Crown Court.

Previously, Mr Cilliers' family paid tribute to the "loving father and great friend who would do anything to help others".

In a statement, they said: "After a rough year, his life was looking up. He'd started a new job, which he loved.

"He will be sorely missed and loved forever."

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