A couple who killed an innocent shopper in a Colliers Wood supermarket in a case of mistaken identity have been jailed.

Tony Virasami, 38, who had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, was sentenced to four years' jail at Southwark Crown Court for thumping dad of one Kevin Tripp.

His partner Antonette Richardson, 37, of Sedgehill Road, Catford, was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Richardson, who instructed Virasami to hit Mr Tripp at the Sainsbury’s supermarket on June 10, 2008, was found guilty of manslaughter in February after a trial.

Mr Tripp, 57, an ME sufferer and father of one, died as a result of head injuries in hospital the day after the attack.

Delivering his verdict today (April 1), Judge Geoffrey Rivlin QC attacked Virasami's "irresponsible, reckless and dangerous behaviour" and told Richardson “an entirely innocent man has paid for your mistake with his life".

As the sentences were read out, a member of Mr Tripp's family was taken out of court crying and shouting "it's disgusting".

Earlier in the sentencing the court heard a witness statement from Josephine James, the victim's partner, which Judge Rivlin described as a "cry of anguish and anger".

Ms James said that Mr Tripp was deeply missed by herself and their daughter Rhianna, and that his death had a devestating effect on the health of some members of his family.

The fatal attack was sparked by an argument in the store between Richardson and teenager Adam Prendergast, who accused the 37-year-old of queue jumping and shouted abuse at her.

Richardson left the supermarket after the confrontation but returned minutes later with her boyfriend to hunt for Mr Prendergast. In a tragic case of mistaken identity Virasami marched up to the unsuspecting Mr Tripp and knocked him to the floor with a hard slap, thinking he was the one who had insulted Richardson.

The court that Virasami had previous convictions for dozens of crimes stretching back almost 30 years, including criminal damage,handling stolen goods, and various driving offences. He is a serial shoplifter who also served almost five years in prison for robbery. Judge Rivlin described class A drugs as playing a “constant part” in Virasami’s life.

Delivering his verdict, Judge Rivlin told the guilty couple: “Those that are violent have to face up to the consequences of their actions, even if the consequences are unintended.”