A man accused of murdering a businessman after an alleged assault outside a bar in Staffordshire has pleaded not guilty.
Billy Allison, 36, a member of the flag-raising group Raise the Colours, appeared at Stafford crown court on Tuesday and entered not guilty pleas to the murder of Matthew O’Gara and to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a second alleged victim.
Court appearance and charges
Allison, of Shirley in Solihull, West Midlands, appeared via video link from HMP Dovegate.
Officers were called to the Ricco & Loren bar on Market Street in Lichfield at 11.25pm on 24 May after receiving reports two men had been punched, Staffordshire police previously said in a statement.
Victim’s death and tribute
O’Gara, who was the director of the Plough pub in the nearby village of Huddlesford, sustained serious injuries and died in hospital two days later. The second man, who also attended hospital, was discharged.
Judge Mukherjee told Allison on Tuesday that he would stand trial in October and it would probably last for about 10 days. “I have adjourned your case for trial to the 28th of October,” he said.
Lichfield rugby club paid tribute to O’Gara after his death, describing him as “a friend of the club and a very generous and valued sponsor”.
Its post said: “From everyone at the club we would like to offer our deepest condolences to all of Matt’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Plough family.”
The Plough pub also closed its doors in the immediate aftermath of the alleged assault to give family and staff “the time, privacy, and respect they need”, according to the post on Facebook.
