A former professional boxer killed a drinker with a single blow in an unprovoked attack in a Coventry bar which left the victim lying in a pool of blood, a court was told yesterday.
Stafford Crown Court heard that Paul Gibbons, who was celebrating his 41st birthday, never regained consciousness after being punched by Shane Walford, who boxed under the name of Shane Junior.
Walford, who fought four professional and 12 amateur bouts, had his last bout in 2007, a two-round win over Tony Stones, after eight years out of the ring.
He denies murdering Mr Gibbons at Millsy's cafe bar in Earlsdon on October 26 last year.
The court heard that Mr Gibbons, who suffered a skull fracture and injuries to his brain, died in hospital the following day. Witnesses would tell the court that the attack was unprovoked.
When interviewed by police, the former boxer, who won three of his professional fights by knockout, said he had hit Mr Gibbons, but had done so in self-defence. The trial, which is expected to last for a week, was adjourned until Thursday.
