A MEMORIAL night for a Newport father who died after he was struck by a car driven by a heroin addict takes place on Thursday.

Gareth Evans, 34, died from head injuries three days after he was hit by a car as he crossed the dual carriageway on the Queensway in Newport in April.

The popular father of two, who was known as a "gentle giant," was a doorman at several pubs in the city centre, including the Carpenters on High Street.

This week, the pub is unveiling a plaque in his memory and holding a memorial night, billed as a "celebration of Gareth Evans' life" on Thursday from 7.30pm. Barbara Flaherty, landlady at the Carpenters, said: "If anybody wants to join us in a celebration of Gareth's life they are welcome to join us."

Last Thursday at an inquest into Mr Evans' death, Gwent coroner David Bowen branded the driver of the car, Ross Williams, as "callous" after hearing how the 20-year-old left the scene of the accident and then set fire to the Vauxhall Cavalier involved in the accident at Barracks Wood.

At Newport crown court on Friday, the heroin user from St Woolos Place, Newport, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, failing to stop at an accident, failing to report an accident within 24 hours, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He was sentenced to three years detention for drug offences and nine months for offences relating to the incident after which Mr Evans died. Judge Michael Burr said Williams' actions were "disgraceful." Gareth Evans' father Alan Evans said: "I never thought he would get such a small sentence."

* For more information about the memorial evening contact the Carpenters on 01633 265444.