Carl Gregory death: Man jailed for life in social media row murder Published duration 30 March 2017

image copyright Kent Police image caption Dickson denied the charge but was convicted of murder

A man has been sentenced to life in prison after choking a video game fan to death during a fight over a social media post.

John Dickson, 27, confronted 20-year-old Carl Gregory in a shopping centre car park in Broadstairs, Kent.

During a scuffle Dickson placed Mr Gregory in a choke hold, killing him.

He was convicted of murder on Wednesday following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court. He will now serve a minimum of 18 years in prison.

After the hearing, police said a friend of Mr Gregory's had fallen out with him over a social media post and asked another man, Christopher Pollard, to speak to him about it.

Mr Pollard, 20, took Dickson with him when he arranged to meet Mr Gregory at the shopping centre on 4 October last year.

Dickson placed Mr Gregory in the choke hold when a fight broke out, officers said.

image copyright Family handout image caption Carl Gregory died in the car park in Broadstairs

Workers leaving nearby shops found his body, but he was declared dead at the scene.

At the time of his death, relatives described Mr Gregory as a typical 20-year-old who enjoyed gaming, modern technology and Pokemon Go.

Det Sgt Ross Gurden said Dickson, of Northdown Road, Cliftonville, had gone out of his way to confront him.

He said: "I hope this case reinforces the message that the use of violence to resolve issues can result in life-changing consequences.

"Dickson is a young man who will now serve a considerable length of time behind bars."