Billy Allison, 36, a member of the flag-raising group Raise the Colours, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Matthew O’Gara, a pub director who died after an alleged assault in Staffordshire. Allison appeared at Stafford crown court on Tuesday via video link from HMP Dovegate, entering not guilty pleas to both the murder charge and a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a second alleged victim.
Alleged assault outside Lichfield bar
Staffordshire police previously stated that officers were called to the Ricco & Loren bar on Market Street in Lichfield at 11.25pm on 24 May after receiving reports that two men had been punched. O’Gara, who was the director of the Plough pub in the nearby village of Huddlesford, sustained serious injuries in the alleged assault and died in hospital two days later. The second man, who also attended hospital, was discharged after treatment.
Allison, of Shirley in Solihull, West Midlands, appeared in court from custody. Judge Mukherjee told Allison that his trial would begin on 28 October and is expected to last approximately 10 days.
Tributes from rugby club and pub
Following O’Gara’s death, Lichfield rugby club paid tribute to him, describing him as “a friend of the club and a very generous and valued sponsor”. In a post, the club said: “From everyone at the club we would like to offer our deepest condolences to all of Matt’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Plough family.”
The Plough pub also closed its doors in the immediate aftermath of the alleged assault to give family and staff “the time, privacy, and respect they need”, according to a post on Facebook. The pub’s closure and the tributes highlight the local impact of the incident.
Legal proceedings and next steps
The case has been adjourned for trial, with Allison remanded in custody. The trial at Stafford crown court is scheduled to start on 28 October and is expected to last about 10 days. The court proceedings will determine the outcome of the charges against Allison.
