A clubber died from head injuries after he was punched to the ground by a doorman outside a Lancaster nightclub, a court heard.
Joshua Hughes, 22, was ‘forcefully ejected’ from Glow, after a woman told security staff he had slapped her bottom on the dancefloor of Glow, in Great John Street, a jury was told. Moments after being dragged from the club, Joshua was punched to the ground by Sean Orrell, 32.
He banged his head on the pavement, sustaining a fractured skull and unsurvivable brain injuries. He died in hospital on June 16, 2022.
Orrell, of Wigan Road, Leigh, admits delivering the fatal blow to Joshua but claims he was acting in lawful self defence when he hit him.
The jury at Preston Crown Court has been shown a CCTV compilation which shows Joshua being removed from the club, and a row between Hughes and his friends and door staff outside the club’s Mary Street exit.
William Beardmore, prosecuting, told the jury that shortly after 4am on Sunday June 12, 2022, Joshua was asked to leave the club. He went with the security staff to the back doors, but when he refused to leave his beer, he was forcefully removed by bouncers, including Orrell.
Mr Beardmore said Joshua was “thrust headfirst through a set of double doors”. As Joshua lay half out of the doors, Orrell jumped on him and forced his head into the floor. Joshua was then dragged down three concrete steps before Orrell jumped on him again and pushed his head into the floor.
CCTV showed Joshua get up but the court was told a row erupted between Joshua and his friends and the doormen, who had formed a ‘protective wall’ outside the club to prevent them going back in.
Mr Beardmore told the jury: “Joshua Hughes and his friends firmly believed one of the door staff had put his foot on Joshua’s neck in the process of being dragged down the stairs. The prosecution suggests it was perfectly clear it was that act by staff against him that caused Joshua Hughes to be aggressive, angry and annoyed.”
At one stage, Joshua was speaking directly with Orrell. Joshua said: “You told me to walk out of the pub and I walked out of the pub. Was there any need to chuck me out?”
Orrell replied, although his response was not clear. Joshua leaned towards him, asking, “sorry, what did you say?” before punching Orrell in the face. As Joshua backed off into the road, Orrell ran towards him and delivered a blow so forceful he ran across Joshua as he fell to the ground.
As Joshua lay unconscious in the road, Orrell returned to the club. Joshua was taken to hospital by ambulance but did not recover from his injuries and died four days later.
Orrell was arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent. He said Joshua had punched him and knocked his front tooth out. He said although Joshua was backing off, he pursued him and punched him because he believed Joshua was a threat to himself and other door staff.
He denies manslaughter at Preston Crown Court.
Source – Lancs Live