Newcastle teenager Mason Ibbotson detained for six-years for the manslaughter of celebrated soldier and father of four Shaun Roberts. 

Shaun Roberts, age 35, was a corporal in the British Army, based at Cottesmore died in hospital a month after being punched in the face outside a nightclub in Newcastle. 

Roberts, known as Robbo, had served in Afghanistan and had been recognised for his outstanding service, risking his life to save fellow soldiers while under heavy fire. 

Ibbotson, age 18, from Blythe, has been sent to prison for 6 years (Photo: Northumberland Police)

Ibbotson, age 18, from Blythe where the incident happened, admitted to manslaughter following the events of 5th –6th October 2025. 

Cpl Robert had attended a course in Blythe and was on a night out with three of his colleagues. They left Dejavu club at 3am on 6th October to get a taxi back to the barracks at Otterburn when they were approached by Ibbotson and his gang. 

According to prosecutor Jessica Slaughter, the soldiers were targeted because they were 'not from the area.' Ibbotson is a trained boxer who had previously assaulted multiple emergency workers. 

Clp Roberts had his arms by his side when he was punched by Ibbotson and he collapsed to the ground unconscious. 

Cpl Roberts never regained consciousness and died in hospital a month after the incident. 

Following the attack, while Cpl Roberts' colleagues tried to help him, Ibbotson was caught on camera celebrating the punch. He died in hospital on 1st November after the decision was made to withdraw his life support. 

Roberts' family have been devastated by his death, agreeing with friends and colleagues that he was 'the most selfless' man she had ever met. 

Ibbotson pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter at Mid and South East Magistrates' Court on 16th December and was sentenced on Monday 3rd March to six years in prison. 

A statement from Roberts' wife, Ellys Roberts, was read out during the hearing, telling of the pain and trauma her and her four children are enduring. "His family, friends and career were his pride and joy," the statement read. 

"I have to sit with my children and explain to them repeatedly what happened to their Daddy, this is on a daily and nightly basis because of their ages they all have a different understanding. 

"I know I will be answering these questions for years to come, and as a family we will have to keep reliving the heartbreak. 

"It doesn't feel real that he is never coming back. The loss of Robbo will be felt by so many of us for the rest of all our lives and no sentence will ever make any of this easier or bring him back."