An activist from the flagging group Raise the Colours has appeared in crown court charged with murder following a fatal incident in Lichfield. Billy Allison, 36, from Solihull, stood before Stafford Crown Court on Thursday morning, accused of murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent relating to an event on May 24.
Police responded to reports of two men being punched at the Ricco and Loren bar on Market Street in Lichfield at 11:25 p.m. on Sunday. One victim, Matt O'Gara, died in hospital on Tuesday afternoon. The second victim, Adam Cooper, was also taken to hospital but has since been discharged. Mr. O'Gara was the director of The Plough pub in the nearby village of Huddlesford.
Dressed in a blue long-sleeved top, Allison appeared before Judge Avik Mukherjee for an eight-minute hearing. The court set a trial date for October 26, expected to last two weeks. The judge instructed Allison, who stood with his hands clasped, to return to court in September and remain in custody. “Billy Allison, will you stand please. Your next hearing is the first of September and you will be produced to court for that hearing,” the judge said.
Allison, of Cropthorne Road in Shirley, Solihull, nodded and was led back to the cells. A spokesperson for Ricco and Loren bar expressed devastation, stating: “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. We are sending all our love, thoughts, and best wishes to everyone affected, we will be closed for a few days to give our staff some time, thank you.”
Tributes have poured in for Mr. O'Gara. His mother, Jane, wrote online: “You was too young to leave us. Forever in our hearts.” Lichfield Rugby Club described Mr. O'Gara as a “close friend” and said his passing was “devastating for family, friends, colleagues” and the pub community. The club posted on Facebook that Mr. O'Gara was “pivotal in the introductions of new members, businesses and sponsors,” with dozens sharing memories.
Allison is a member of Raise the Colours, a campaign to display the Union Flag and St. George's Cross in public places.
