A TEENAGER faces time behind bars after being convicted of killing a Radcliffe pensioner who died five months after a senseless street attack.

The victim, 68-year-old Eric Conwell, was beaten unconscious by the thug while on his way home from a bowls presentation night at St Mary's Social Club, Radcliffe, last April.

Mr Conwell suffered an injury to the brain in the attack and spent a long time in hospitals and a nursing home before dying after developing broncho-pneumonia.

At Manchester Crown Court, a 16-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of manslaughter and will be sentenced in three weeks' time after reports are prepared.

The youth, who is in custody for other offences, showed no emotion at the jury's guilty verdict.

The Crown alleged that the youth had been drinking with friends during the evening and, as they walked through Radcliffe, Mr Conwell may have barged into the group and might have grabbed a girl's arm. He was then punched repeatedly, even while lying on the ground.

Richard Marks QC, prosecuting, said the victim had been with friends at the bowling presentation at St Mary's Social Club, in Radcliffe, one night last April.

He and a friend were walking home through the town when they met a group, including the defendant, and the next thing Mr Conwell's friend remembered was being hit in the face and knocked to the ground.

Shortly afterwards he saw Mr Conwell, who was also on the ground nearby. He was obviously hurt and the emergency services were called and he was taken to Bury General Hospital.

Mr Marks said Mr Conwell had injuries to his face but a scan revealed a brain haemorrhage and he eventually died five months later.