Man killed by single punch in mass brawl at Butlin’s when rival stag dos clashed over woman
A MAN died after he was floored by a single punch at Butlin’s when rival stag dos clashed over a woman, a court was told. The back of Michael Loughlin’s head hit the floor of a bar in the Bognor Regis holiday camp with such force witnesses described feeling the impact through their feet. Mr […]
A MAN died after he was floored by a single punch at Butlin’s when rival stag dos clashed over a woman, a court was told.
The back of Michael Loughlin’s head hit the floor of a bar in the Bognor Regis holiday camp with such force witnesses described feeling the impact through their feet.
Mr Loughlin, 52, died in hospital after paramedics and doctors battled for four days to save him.
The dedicated Luton Town supporter was in a bar at the resort as part of a stag party for his friend.
Billy Mongey, 33, from Wandsworth, denies manslaughter, a court heard.
Trouble started when a man from another stag tried to chat up a female in Mr Loughlin’s group.
Ryan Richter, for the prosecution, described what happened.
He told a jury at Lewes Crown Court: “After a period of tension, a quick incident of violence took place. It was a flare up of violence which lasted under a minute.
“At the end of the fight, Mr Loughlin punched a man in the other group which caught the eye of Mr Mongey.
“He placed a hand on his shoulder, then landed a powerful punch on him which sent him backwards onto the floor.”
A nearby nurse who was part of a hen do said she felt the impact of his head on the ground coming through the floor to her feet, Mr Richter said.
Paramedics were called to the Bognor Regis resort on Friday, June 14 last year.
Mr Mongey was arrested after Sussex Police viewed CCTV from the Butlin’s cameras.
David Tovey, who had known Mr Loughlin since they were boys, said he will never forget the sound as his head hit the floor.
He said: “He was knocked out completely before he fell. I heard him land on the ground and it’s a sound I’ll never forget.
“The noise was horrendous.”
The bar was crowded with hen and stag dos who had seen Boney M perform at the start of the ‘80s themed weekend.
Mr Loughlin died the following Tuesday at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
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His family said he was deeply loved and a piece of their hearts had been lost forever.
Mr Loughlin from Barton-le-Clay in Bedford, was known as Locky to family and friends.
A post mortem gave the cause of death as a head injury.
The trial at Lewes Crown Court continues.