A man has been jailed for killing a grandad during a fight outside a Lewisham pub.
Paul Tallant, 43, was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years at Woolwich Crown Court for the manslaughter of 63-year-old Charlie Prodromou. The court heard that Charlie fell and hit his head after being punched twice in the face by Tallant outside The Watch House pub on March 1.
Tallant, from Eltham, had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, claiming he acted in excessive self-defence. Judge Andrew Lees rejected this plea, stating that Charlie was retreating and posed no threat by the time of the fatal punches.
During the altercation, Tallant was seen celebrating in a “victor’s stance” over Charlie after he fell. The court heard that Tallant had been heavily drinking and using cocaine prior to the fight.
A second man, Danny Donovan, 40, of Southwark, was sentenced to 26 months for threatening a bystander with a knife while the fight was ongoing. Judge Lees noted Donovan’s actions left Charlie vulnerable to Tallant’s attack, though Donovan had tried to help after Charlie fell.
Inside the pub, Charlie and Tallant had briefly exchanged friendly banter, but the confrontation escalated when Charlie refused to leave after smoking indoors and shoved a staff member. The fight continued outside, where Tallant pursued the retreating Charlie, hitting him twice and causing his fatal fall.
Family members described Charlie as a “truly good man” who had been struggling with the loss of his wife in 2019. In court, Charlie’s daughters and grandchildren gave emotional statements condemning Tallant’s actions.
The Crown Prosecution Service said Tallant showed no remorse and highlighted his celebratory behaviour after the fatal attack.
