Facebook can be deadly, as reports emmerge that Scott Humphrey, a native of Nottingham, Britain, killed his friend Richard Rovetto after Rovetto allegedly "poked" Humphrey's girlfriend on the popular social network.

Humphrey has been charged with manslaughter and sentenced to more than four years of jail time.

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According to reports, the two individuals were sharing a cab home after a night out when Humphrey asked Rovetto why he had poked his girlfriend on Facebook. Humphrey then proceeded to punch his friend.  

The cab driver stood as a witness at the Nottingham Crown Court during the trial and testified that when he stopped the taxi, 27-year-old Humphrey punched the 29-year-old Rovetto, causing him to fall and bang his head on the concrete. Rovetto was then rushed to the hospital but unfortunately died a few hours later.

Rovetto, who is a father to one child, reportedly admitted to Humphrey that he did poke his girlfriend but claimed he did not know that the woman was in a romantic relationship with Humphrey, added the cab driver.

Humphrey fled the scene of the crime but turned himself in as soon as he learned of his friend's death. The perpetrator's lawyer, Robert Egbuna, released a statement saying that his client is devastated and genuinely remorseful regarding the killing.

According to the judge who presided over the case, Humphrey did not intend to kill Rovetto and the situation simply developed in a very tragic manner.

Rovetto's brother-in-law released a statement on behalf of his family stating that the sentence imposed on Humphrey was not punishment enough for his taking of the life of a much-loved person.

"Poking" is a Facebook feature which allows users to gain the attention of fellow friends and has frequently been linked to flirting.

According to a 2009 study, "Facebook jealousy" is one of the main reason why couples fight as significant others over-analyze each other's posts, causing problems in the relationship.  

However, this is the first case ever recorded where the "poking" feature on Facebook has cost someone their life.

TagsPoking, Killed, friend, Scott Humphrey, punched, britian