'KILLED WITH 1 PUNCH' Man denies attacking grandad outside pub.

Byline: BY JEREMY ARMSTRONG

A GRANDAD died after a single unprovoked punch outside a pub, a court heard yesterday.

Cliff Palmer, 73, was knocked to the ground before struggling to his feet and falling, the jury was told.

He died from a haemorrhage the day after the attack outside Blakes pub in Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, at 12.20am last September.

Labourer Michael Kelly, who was picked out on CCTV footage, denies manslaughter. The 21-year-old told police he was drunk at the time and might have brushed past the dad-of-two, but denied striking him.

He said witnesses who claimed to have seen a punch were wrong. They included licensee Michael Evers who told Teesside crown court he saw Kelly throw a punch as he walked past Mr Palmer.

He said: "As a result of the strike, the latter fell against metal railings at the side of the footpath, then hit the pavement. Door staff and members of the public went to Mr Palmer's aid. When paramedics arrived, he was unconscious on the pavement."

Kelly, who allegedly fled the scene, had earlier told a doorman he had had an argument with his girlfriend and they had "split up again".

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds said there was no suggestion of any contact or conversation between Kelly, from Newton Aycliffe, and Mr Palmer, inside the pub that evening.

Mr Palmer's family wept in the public gallery as details of the alleged assault were heard.

The trial continues.

CAPTION(S):

ACCUSED Michael Kelly; DIED Cliff Palmer