Man punched in Lichfield bar attack that killed friend

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 16:52 · Archive

Adam Cooper suffered facial fractures after being punched at a Lichfield bar where his friend Matthew O'Gara died.

Adam Cooper, 62, was struck during an incident at Ricco and Loren bar in Lichfield on 24 May. He told Stafford Crown Court that the punch felt like being 'hit with a sledgehammer', leaving him with fractures to his eye socket and nose. He required £6,000 in dental surgery following the assault.

Cooper arrived at the bar with a group of friends, including Matthew O'Gara, a publican. O'Gara was also punched inside the bar that evening and died in hospital on 26 May. CCTV footage shown to the court indicated the incident occurred without prior animosity between the groups.

Billy Allison is accused of O'Gara's murder. The trial previously heard that Allison allegedly delivered a 'very, very hard' punch with the 'stance and skill of an experienced fighter' to O'Gara on the dancefloor before punching Cooper. Allison denies the murder charge but admits alternative charges of manslaughter and inflicting grievous bodily harm contrary to section 20.

Man punched in Lichfield bar attack that killed friend — Image: BirminghamLive

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How it is being reported

Lichfield bar attack victim felt like he was 'hit with sledgehammer by man who killed friend' - court toldAdam Cooper told Stafford Crown Court he suffered facial fractures and needed £6,000 in dental surgery after an unprovoked assault that also allegedly claimed the life of his friend Matthew O’GaraBirminghamLive · 30 Oct, 16:13
Man injured in Staffordshire bar attack that killed friend said punch felt like ‘sledgehammer’Adam Cooper, 62, suffered fractures to his eye socket and nose in an incident at Ricco and Loren bar in Lichfield.Express & Star · 30 Oct, 14:04

In this story: Adam Cooper · Matthew O'Gara · Billy Allison · Lichfield · Stafford Crown Court

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