A 17-YEAR-OLD boy from Rishton has been found guilty of manslaughter at Preston Crown Court following the death of Adam Rogers on July 5 last year.

Adam Rogers, 24, was attacked at around 3.30am on Sunday July 5 opposite the Gladstone Monument in Northgate.

He was punched once by the boy, then aged just 16, and fell to the ground striking his head.

He never regained consciousness and died later that day as a result of the injuries sustained in the attack.

The boy was convicted following a four day trial.

Two 19-year-old men from Rishton, Jonathon Seal of Cliff Street and Antonio Clough of Bridge Street, had previously pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm relating to separate assaults arising out of the same incident.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Neil Hunter, said Adam's tragic death had had a profound effect on him.

He said: "This is a tragic case where a young man has lost his life due to the complete stupidity and recklessness of a young teenager who had clearly consumed far too much alcohol. I would like to think that this will serve as a strong warning to those who choose to behave in this reprehensible and shameful manner but remain to be convinced."

He added: "Adam’s death was entirely preventable and has ruined the lives of so many people. Sadly it highlights the perils of drinking far too much alcohol and being oblivious to the consequences of your actions."

Following the attack Adam’s family had to make the unimaginable decision of switching his life support machine off.

Detective Supt Neil Hunter said: "Incidents of this nature have a devastating effect on so many lives not least of which are the Roger’s family who have had their son taken away from them in the prime of his life and with his whole life ahead of him.

"I have huge admiration for Adam’s family. They attended every day of the trial during which they conducted themselves with enormous dignity. Nobody has had a bad word to say about Adam which is a credit to him and his parents."

He added: "It speaks volumes that they were prepared to allow Adam’s organs to be harvested that would allow numerous other people to benefit from their tragic loss.

"Our thoughts remain with the family today and hope this outcome will help them cope in some small way with their tragic loss although nothing anyone can do will ever bring Adam back."

The boy will be sentenced alongside Seal and Clough at Preston Crown Court on March 8 2010.