THE man who killed former Irish League footballer David Mills with up to 13 punches "got off very lightly", the victim's sister has said.
Elaine Wilkes was speaking after John Foster was jailed for three-and-a-half years for causing her brother's death in Co Down in 2012.
Foster had denied murdering Mr Mills but admitted his manslaughter mid-trial.
The judge said Foster, a cousin of Mr Mills, who used to play for Portadown, had a record for assault and disorderly offences and had failed to heed medical advice and tackle his alcohol problem.
He said that Mr Mills may have initiated their encounter, a claim dismissed by Ms Wilkes.
"It was like David was on trial. I feel strongly that Foster wasn't acting in self defence," she said.
Ms Wilkes said the family was disappointed that Foster (31), from Corrigs Road in Newcastle, never had to enter the witness box.
"He should have been made to answer questions. He should have been cross-examined since he was up for murder.
"He didn't have to speak two words. I think they could have got to the truth if he had given evidence. He's an explosive lad and that could have shown."
Ms Wilkes also took issues with the suggestion in court that her brother had an alcohol problem.
"David didn't have a problem with drink. There was no mention that he had stopped drinking for Children in Need and raised thousands."
During sentencing the judge said he believed Foster's remorse was "deep and genuine" and added that no sentence could compensate the Mills family for their loss.
However, Ms Wilkes said the family felt "let down".
"Never once did we ever hear any remorse from John Foster. John Foster got off very lightly. He got three-and-a-half years. He'll not even be 40 and he'll be out."
She added: "We had to listen to excuses, poor John Foster, he's got epilepsy and depression and diabetes... And he's got four children, but he didn't think of his children that night."
Ms Wilkes described her brother as "a loud, lovable fella" who "had a heart of gold".
"He was a good person and that was shown at his funeral. Over 1,000 people came and we had more than 500 sympathy cards."
Mr Mills, who was 47, had two children. It was his daughter's 18th birthday the day before he died, while his son was eight.
"It's very hard for them," she said.
"It's very hard on my mother.... We feel very let down."
Foster was given a seven-year sentence last month and ordered to serve half of it on remand.
* 'HEART OF GOLD': Former Irish League footballer David Mills
* RECORD OF DISORDERLY OFFENCES: John Foster was given a seven-year sentence - half of which will be served on remand - for the manslaughter of his cousin David Mills in 2012