An Ipswich man died in hospital two weeks after suffering a fractured skull, a court was told on the first day of a manslaughter trial into his death.
Thomas Watchman, who was 38 at the time, allegedly struck the first blow to 42-year-old Andrew Roche's head causing him to stumble and this was followed by a blow to the head from a teenager, Ipswich Crown Court was told.
Mr Roche had ended up on the pavement in Waterford Road, Ipswich, and was taken to hospital where he died 17 days later.
Stephen Rose KC, prosecuting, told a jury today (Tuesday) that the incident was recorded on Ring doorbell footage and that an impact which could be heard on the recording was Mr Roche's head hitting the concrete pavement.
Watchman, now aged 39, of Wicklow Road, Ipswich and the teenager, who can't be named because of his age, have denied the manslaughter of Mr Roche on August 11 following the incident in Waterford Road on July 25.
The court heard that on July 25 Mr Roche had gone to the Flying Horse pub in Waterford Road with a friend and had been drinking pints of San Miguel beer.
Read more
Family of murdered man issue statement after teenager found guilty
Steve Wright jailed for life for murder of Victoria Hall
'Dangerous' man jailed after fracturing victims cheek and nose in attack
Man who sent naked picture to decoy posing as schoolgirl given a suspended sentence
He was described as being a "little drunk" and had been play fighting while he was in the pub.
He and his friend left the pub at around 4.45pm and went to a parade of shops in Ulster Avenue.
Shortly afterwards Mr Roche was captured on CCTV walking across the road in the direction of a bus shelter in Ulster Avenue where the teenage defendant was standing.
Mr Roche and the teenager had approached each other and there was what Mr Rose described as "playfighting" during which they exchanged kicks and punches.
However, although the incident was initially playful it escalated to something more serious, said Mr Rose.
He said Mr Roche's friend told police there had been some banter between Mr Roche and the teenager followed by what started as play fighting and then became more heated.
"He didn't know what was happening and told Mr Roche to 'leave it out' and they walked off towards Waterford Road," said Mr Rose.
As they walked along Waterford Road they heard the teenager who was with a group of young people call out to Mr Roche.
Mr Roche walked back towards him and shortly afterwards Thomas Watchman had got out of a grey Volvo and punched Mr Roche to the head causing him to stumble.
This was followed by a punch to Mr Roche's head by the teenager resulting in him falling to the ground.
Following the incident Watchman had driven away in his car and the teenager had run off towards Whitehouse Road.
Mr Roche was taken to Ipswich Hospital where he was found to have a cut to the back of his head.
He stayed in hospital for a few days before discharging himself.
During the days that followed he had gone shopping but on August 6 his condition had deteriorated and his sister took him back to hospital where he died five days later.
A post mortem examination found that Mr Roche had died from bacterial meningitis and head injuries, which also included fractures to his eye socket and cheekbone.
Mr Rose said that medical experts had concluded that the skull fracture Mr Roche had suffered on July 25 had allowed bacteria to enter is brain.
Mr Rose alleged the fatal blow was thrown by the teenager who he claimed had a grudge against Mr Roche following the earlier incident near the bus stop.
He alleged that Watchman had punched Mr Roche without attempting to calm the situation.
"We don't suggest they were trying to kill him. We say they unlawfully assaulted him and the direct consequence was that he died."
He claimed that neither defendant genuinely believed they needed to defend themselves.
The trial continues.
Share