Man says punch which led to drinker's death was self defence |
Harrison Byford was giving evidence at the inquest into the death of Neil McGibbon, who died of severe head injuries three days after the incident outside the Kings Arms pub, in Loddon, on November 10, 2023.
The hearing has been told that both men had been in separate groups who had been drinking in the pub before getting involved in an altercation outside.
During the brawl, Mr McGibbon, 58, was struck by Mr Byford on the left side of his face, before falling backwards and hitting his head on the kerb. He died of his head injuries in hospital.
Neil McGibbon. (Image: Facebook)
Mr Byford and his friends became embroiled in a confrontation with Mr McGibbon and his friend Geoffrey Noble outside a takeaway shop opposite the pub on Bridge Street at around 9.30pm.
It came after Mr Byford's group had been ejected from the pub by landlord Phillip Taylor for "not buying enough drinks".
A statement from an eyewitness said she saw Mr Noble striking one of Mr Byford's group - who were in their 20s - and falling to the ground outside Lims fish and chip shop.
Geoffrey........