A former bouncer jailed for three years after he killed a dad-of-one outside a Croydon nightclub has failed to have his sentence reduced.

George Lumsden, 42, of Whittingham Road, New Biggin Hill, Newcastle, was jailed at the Old Bailey in March after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Steven Pillings.

He had denied a charge of murder saying he never intended to harm Mr Pillings of Coniston Road, Coulsdon.

Last Friday Lumsden appeared at the Court of Appeal to ask for his jail term to be cut, arguing that the sentence imposed was "manifestly excessive" as he had only struck one blow.

His appeal was dismissed by Lord Justice Laws, sitting with Mr Justice Davis and Judge John Griffith.

The court heard that Mr Pillings had gone to the now defunct Flares nightclub in Park Street, Croydon, on July 26, 2003, with a group of friends.

As the night wore on Mr Pillings and his friends became more drunk. Trouble erupted when Mr Pillings' friend Samuel Johnston tried to climb on to the stage.

He was asked to leave the club and was joined outside by Mr Pillings who tried to convince the doorman they should be let back in.

Witnesses said Mr Pillings was drunk and slurring his words but was in no way aggressive.

However, the court heard Lumsden stepped in and shouted: "Do you want to fight me instead?"

Mr Pillings said no, but Lumsden punched him once in the face, causing him to fall backwards.

He hit his head on the pavement and suffered a fractured skull. He died from his injuries at Mayday Hospital.