A TAXI driver has been cleared of the manslaughter of a Suffolk man who died after he was knocked unconscious with a single punch.

A TAXI driver has been cleared of the manslaughter of a Suffolk man who died after he was knocked unconscious with a single punch.

Christopher Noble claimed he was acting in self defence when he punched 31-year-old Bradley Baker, from Sizewell near Leiston, in an alleyway off Norfolk Street in King's Lynn after an argument in Flames takeaway.

Norwich Crown Court heard that Mr Baker, who had been working as a sub contractor on the Marks and Spencer store in the town was knocked unconscious and fell to the floor striking his head on May 6 last year.

He suffered a severe head injury and despite being treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital he never regained consciousness and died later that day.

Noble, 26, of Hall Lane South Wootton who had denied manslaughter was found not guilty by the jury after five hours on Friday.

The jury also cleared John Baldwin, 28, of Fuller Close, Mansfield, Notts of affray on the same date.

After the verdict both men left the court without making any comment.

During the trial Christopher Morgan prosecuting told how Noble had thrown a piece of pizza topping which landed on Mr Baker's shirt. An argument developed and the three men went down an alleyway. Noble claimed he had acted in self defence when he punched Mr Baker. He said he had not been looking for trouble.