A man accused of killing a peacemaker with a single punch after he tried to stop a fight has spoken for the first time since being acquitted of manslaughter. 

Michael Oliver, 33, of Poundfield Road in Loughton, was on Friday cleared by a jury over the death of David Joslin, following a two-week trial at Southwark Crown Court. 

He was accused of inflicting the fatal blow that caused Mr Joslin to hit his head on the pavement after he intervened to stop a fight outside of Strictly Silver jewellers in Old Church Road, Chingford, on December 20 2009. 

Speaking to the Guardian, Mr Oliver said he hopes the jury's decision will "draw a line in the sand."

He said: "I was originally arrested in relation to this investigation back in 2009. 

"I was never charged with any offence then and I was notified in mid-2010 that I would not be charged. 

"I am aware that David Joslin’s family later requested that the CPS review that earlier decision. 

"I understand and respect their position; they have lost a son, brother and relative. 

"I placed my trust in my legal team and we challenged the CPS account of events. 

"Over the course of nine days at Southwark Crown Court I participated in a trial in which I was accused of the unlawful killing of David Joslin. 

"I gave evidence that I was not responsible for his tragic death, that I had not punched him.  

"I had an opportunity to counter and negate an allegation made against me which was untrue, tested at trial and found wanting. 

"The unanimous verdict of the jury in these proceedings has, I trust, drawn a line in the sand."

Mr Joslin, who worked at Morrisons in Chingford, had left a Christmas work party at nearby Winters Bar and was walking alone when he saw the fight between two groups.  

At the start of the trial, the court heard from the prosecution how Mr Joslin approached the group with his arms out stretched and tried to break it up after seeing one man lying unconscious on the ground.  

Mr Joslin was knocked unconscious and hit his head on the pavement.  

He never regained consciousness and died a week later at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone. 

The fight which led to Mr Joslin's death was said to have been started by Mr Oliver's brother Barry, who was throwing chips in the air when he, his girlfriend Zoe Fowler and Mr Oliver passed another group.

Both brothers were arrested and Barry Oliver was initially charged with manslaughter, but the charge was later dropped.   

After a deliberation lasting less than one hour and a half, the jury of ten women and two men unanimously found Mr Oliver not guilty. 

Mr Joslin's father Phil admitted he had pushed for Mr Oliver to put on trial and said his family were "devastated" when the verdict was read out in court. 

Police have said there will be a post-acquittal review process and they will continue investigating matters surrounding the case.

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David Joslin died a day after Boxing Day in December 2009 - no-one has ever faced justice for his death