A pub landlord has been found guilty of murdering a regular who didn’t drink up quick enough.

George Harris died as a result of post-traumatic epilepsy two-and a-half years after David Keane thumped him to the floor and stamped on his head at the Huntsman Inn, Rusholme.

By time Mr Harris was found dead at his flat by his mother, Lynn Harris, on New Year’s Eve 2013, Keane had already been jailed for six years for GBH with intent.

Mr Harris’ death meant Keane was put on trial again on a new charge of murder. The jury in a Manchester Crown Court case rejected his plea of self-defence and found him guilty of murder.

This means David Keane is facing jail for the second time - this time for life - for the same crime.

The 42-year-old, of Lowthorpe Street, Moss Side, appeared stunned as the jury returned its verdict after a hearing lasting nearly two weeks.

Judge David Stockdale QC, Manchester’s most senior judge, will sentence him on Thursday.

George Harris was a popular regular at the Wilmslow Road pub - and had recommended his friend of twenty years Keane for the job of relief manager.

On July 3, 2011, Mr Harris gave his old friend ‘some lip’ when he said it was drinking up time. Keane attacked him with such fury he left a footprint on his face.

Mr Harris offered no resistance to the violence, but in both trials Keane maintained he feared he was about to come under attack and so lashed out first.

Fran Gough, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the North West Complex Casework Unit said: “Mr Harris received serious and life changing injuries, resulting in him suffering both physically and psychologically right up until the end of his life. Doctors diagnosed him with post-traumatic epilepsy which ultimately resulted in his death almost 18 months after he was assaulted.

“After carefully considering all the evidence presented during the trial, the jury has agreed with the prosecution case that the defendant intended to cause serious harm to Mr George Harris, and that Mr Harris died as a direct result of the injuries inflicted on him by the defendant.

“Mr Harris’ mother has shown great dignity throughout the trial, our thoughts are very much with her and other family members and friends at this time. I sincerely hope that this outcome gives them a sense that justice has now been served.”