A teenage building site labourer wept openly as he made his first court appearance today, charged with unlawfully killing a 40-year-old woman with what prosecutors described as a single, fatal punch during a late-night altercation outside a pub.
Emotional Court Appearance Following Tragic Incident
Liam Moor, aged 19, from Howdon in North Tyneside, became visibly emotional at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court as the charge was formally read to him. The court heard that he is accused of 'unlawfully killing Lisa Denton contrary to common law' following an incident outside Charlie's Bar in North Shields on Saturday night.
Prosecutor Clare Haswell outlined the case, stating that it is alleged Moor assaulted Ms Denton by punching her once to the face shortly after 10pm. She told the court: 'Knowing what he has done he fled the scene without an attempt to provide first aid or call the emergency services. He was aware police were looking for him and made contact the next day.'
Victim's Tragic Death and Defendant's Surrender
Lisa Denton, from North Shields, North Tyneside, suffered a serious head injury during the altercation. She was taken to hospital in a critical condition but tragically died the following morning. The court heard that Moor handed himself in to police later that same day.
He was initially arrested on suspicion of murder before being charged with manslaughter on Monday. Moor was supported in the courtroom by friends and relatives during the emotional proceedings.
Self-Defence Argument to be Presented
Mark Harrison, defending Moor, indicated that the teenager would argue he acted in self-defence. He told the court: 'In due course he will argue his behaviour was in reasonable, lawful, self-defence and trouble came to him outside Charlie's Bar when he was enjoying an ordinary night out with friends.'
Harrison added that the altercation was captured on CCTV cameras and was careful to note: 'I'm anxious I don't present anything that appears besmirching of the deceased or members of her family but... trouble comes to him and he would argue his response was reasonable in the circumstances as they prevailed at the time.'
Case Progress and Police Response
Owing to the seriousness of the charge, the case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court for a hearing scheduled for next month. Moor was granted conditional bail and was not asked to enter a plea at this initial hearing.
In a separate development, a woman in her 50s who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Atherton of Northumbria Police commented on the case, stating: 'This is an incredibly tragic incident where a woman has sadly lost her life. Our thoughts remain firmly with Lisa's loved ones at this time. We will continue to support them as they try to navigate a life without Lisa.'
The solicitor representing Moor described the situation as a 'tragic incident, however it is regarded,' acknowledging the profound impact on all parties involved while preparing to mount a defence based on self-defence when the case reaches crown court.
