Emotional tributes to father who died after attack outside pub

George Baylis, aged 30, punched Scott Hendy outside The Kings Arms in Pilning at about 12.10am on Saturday, March 2.

Mr Hendy, aged 46, who lived in Severn Beach, sustained a critical head injury and was taken to Southmead Hospital where he died the following day.

Baylis, of Redwick Road, Pilning pleaded guilty to manslaughter last month.

He was sentenced to four years and six months at Bristol Crown Court today, Wednesday, May 29 - he is expected to serve at least half his sentence. 

Avon and Somerset Police say an altercation between the two men occurred in the pub car park before Baylis punched Mr Hendy once.

Baylis was arrested a short distance away around 30 minutes after the incident. 

During a police interview he admitted to punching Mr Hendy.

George Baylis has been jailed for the manslaughter of Scott Hendy who died after being attacked near a pub in Pilning (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)

Much-loved dad Scott Hendy (middle left) died after being assaulted in Pilning (left to right, Harvey Hendy, Lewis Hendy and Holly Hendy) (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)

A memorial football match was held in Scott's memory on March 17 .

Scott had previously captained Mangotsfield United FC in 2005 and had also played six games for Yate Town Football Club. 

"I can no longer reach out to Dad"

Scott’s son Lewis Hendy said his father was the ‘heart and soul of the family’ and he was ‘idolised’ by his children.

He said: “One of the hardest things to accept is that I can no longer reach out to Dad. 

“There will be no more phone calls to ask for his advice, no more texts to share a quick joke, no more chats about work or life.

“I still pick up the phone to call or message him, eager to share something funny that’s just happened. 

“Then reality kicks in and I get that sinking feeling again because he’s no longer there.

“It feels like I’ve lost my compass, my guide, and the person I could always turn to when I needed help.”

He added: “There are events that have not yet happened that I know will be incredibly bittersweet, such as the birth of my first child and my wedding, this also applies to Harvey and Holly.

“Dad will never get the opportunity to become a grandparent, to walk Holly down the aisle and to show us all up with his dance moves at our weddings.”

"Our lives will never be the same"

Scott’s mother, Jennifer Hendy, said “not a day goes by where we don’t think about Scott”. 

In her victim's personal statement, she said: “He was the kindest, loveliest character and all-round amazing son. 

“His personality was infectious and was always one for being the joker.

“His sense of humour was legendary, and his loss will be felt from all over Bristol such was the reach of his infectious personality.”

She added: “This is an horrendous situation we find ourselves in and our lives will never be the same.

“We know this would never have happened if Scott wasn’t punched.

“However, we understand this has probably ruined the offender’s life as well; if anything we feel sorry for him and his family. 

“We don’t have any hatred towards him, we accept he probably didn’t mean to kill our son.

“However, we are now left feeling our entire life has been torn apart and don’t think we will ever come to terms with living our lives without him.”

Police statement 

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Almond, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Scott Hendy was clearly a very popular man and our sympathies are with his loved ones at the conclusion of these legal proceedings.

“George Baylis has shown remorse for what occurred throughout the course of enquiries and also pleaded guilty early on to manslaughter.

“While there is no evidence of any intent on his part to cause the fatal injuries he did, this case highlights the tragic reality that one punch can kill. 

“In that split second he lashed out and unintentionally took Scott’s life and now has received a lengthy prison sentence.”