Eddie Belson has been found guilty of manslaughter after beating his neighbour Chris Cooling with a hockey stick following a history of rows between the two in the Forest of Dean.
Today the jury at Bristol Crown Court rejected the charge of murder, believing labourer Belson, 36, lacked the intent to cause the former soldier really serious harm during the fight outside their homes in Berry Hill.
The father-of three claimed he was defending himself and his family when he hit the 44-year-old drug addict repeatedly on August 3 last year.
However, after a trail lasting three weeks, the jury decided Belson had gone beyond what was necessary to protect himself.
When the not guilty verdict for murder was read out, Belson uttered a sigh of relief and looked close to tears in the dock.
Outside court Mr Cooling's sister and mother, Kathryn Wylde and Rita Woodhouse made a statement through family liaison officer detective constable Jon Newton.
"No outcome could ever bring Chris back," they said.
"He served his country as a soldier and he was loved by his family and friends and we will miss him terribly.
"We are aware that two families have been affected by this tragedy and shows the massive impact violence can have on people's lives.
"We would like to thank the police and the criminal justice system."
Mr Cooling suffered three broken ribs and a ruptured spleen in the confrontation and would die hours later in hospital after arriving at Belson's home on Aston Close to "sort things out".
Mr Cooling believed the two of them had a long-running feud, something Belson denies and was a figment of Cooling's imagination.
The jury heard how in the struggle Belson forced Mr Cooling off his garden and back to his home, giving him several blows with the stick in the process.
Sentencing is due to take place this afternoon.
