A co-founder of the Raise the Colours group, known for attaching England and Union flags to lampposts, has been charged with murder following an incident outside a cocktail bar in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Billy Allison, 36, from Solihull, appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Thursday morning charged with murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.
Police were called to the Ricco and Loren bar at 11.25pm on Sunday after reports that two men had been punched. Matthew O'Gara, 36, director of The Plough pub in Huddlesford, died from his injuries in hospital on Tuesday. The second victim, Adam Copper, was taken to hospital and later discharged. Allison is charged with causing grievous bodily harm in relation to Mr Copper.
Wearing a blue long-sleeved top, Allison appeared before Judge Avik Mukherjee for an eight-minute hearing. The judge set a trial date for October 26, expected to last two weeks, and remanded Allison into custody. The next hearing is scheduled for September 1. Allison, of Cropthorne Road in Shirley, nodded and was taken back to the cells.
A spokesperson for Ricco and Loren said: 'As a small local family business, we are devastated by the events of the last few days. We have been working closely with the police in this matter, and we will continue to do so throughout this incredibly sad and difficult time.' The bar will be closed for a few days to give staff time to grieve.
In an emotional online post, Mr O'Gara's mother Jane said she would never get over her son's sudden death. Lichfield Rugby Club described him as a 'close friend' and said his passing had been 'devastating for family, friends, colleagues' and the whole of his pub community.
