THE distraught widow of a doting father who collapsed and later died after being punched by an off-duty detective last night claimed the policeman should have been tried for murder.

Sarah Shackleton lost husband Chris, 42, to a stroke, five days after he was attacked by Merseyside Police officer Andrew Jackson in a pub row over a spilled pint.

The 27-year-old was yesterday found guilty of common assault at Preston magistrates' court and now faces an internal inquiry which could result in his dismissal.

Despite initially being arrested on suspicion of murder in July last year, no link was ever established between Jackson and Mr Shackleton's death, which the family claim was triggered by a brain bleed.

The booze-fuelled officer, who had been on an all-day stag do in Formby, “overstepped the mark” when intervening in a scuffle at the Freshfield Hotel pub, on July 24 last year.

He delivered a forceful blow to Mr Shackleton's face after seeing him head-butt Jackson’s friend after beer was spilled at the bar.

Despite remaining on his feet, Shackleton, a taxi driver, stumbled outside before collapsing in the arms of his brother, Francis.

He was taken to Southport hospital, where he died on July 29.

Sarah, who runs a card shop in Birkdale village, said: “I feel it never should have been a common assault charge. Andrew Jackson was arrested on suspicion of murder, and to this day we feel that he was responsible for the blow that ultimately killed my husband.

“The pathologist told us it was extremely likely that the punch led to Chris's stroke, but he said he couldn't prove it beyond all doubt. I am just glad Jackson's guilt has been proved and my husband's legacy is not tarnished.

“I hope when Jackson is married and has kids he will finally understand the grief we have gone through and finally show some remorse.

“Losing my husband has been the most devastating blow to my life.”