Man cleared of manslaughter after grandad died following single punch at Butlin’s in Bognor
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Michael Loughlin, 52, died four days after he was floored by a single punch from Billy Mongey during a brawl between rival parties on a holiday camp ‘80s weekend.
The back of Michael Loughlin’s head hit the concrete floor of a bar in the Bognor Regis resort with such force witnesses described feeling the impact coming through their feet.
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Hide AdThe dedicated Luton Town supporter was in a bar at the resort as part of a stag party for his friend.
Trouble started when a man from another stag tried to chat up a female in Mr Loughlin’s group.
A jury at Lewes Crown Court took just over two hours to find Billy Mongey, 33, from Wandsworh not guilty of manslaughter.
Mr Mongey told the court he acted in self defence after the two stag parties started to brawl.
“I didn’t see what kicked it off.
“There was a lot of shouting.
“I instinctively tried to protect my friends.”
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Hide AdMr Mongey said he hit Mr Loughlin after he attacked his friend.
“I just instantly hit him back.
“There was no time to think.
“My instinct kicked in and I just hit him,” he said.
“The whole lot was so quick.”
Paramedics were called to the Bognor Regis resort on Friday, June 14 last year.
Mr Mongey was arrested after Sussex Police viewed CCTV from the Butlin’s cameras.
The bar was crowded with hen and stag dos who had seen Boney M perform at the start of the adults only ‘80s themed weekend.
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Hide AdMr Loughlin died the following Tuesday at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
His family said he was deeply loved and a piece of their hearts had been lost forever.
Mr Loughlin from Barton-le-Clay in Bedford, was known as Locky to family and friends.
A post mortem gave the cause of death as a head injury.
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