Football fan 'killed by single blow outside Leeds pub'

A jury was shown CCTV footage of Robert Wilson, 44, falling to the ground after he was hit by Christopher Perry, 25, outside the Skyrack bar in Headingley, on June 12.

Prosecutor Jonathan Sharp told Leeds Crown Court Mr Wilson fractured his skull when his head hit the floor and he died in hospital 11 days later.

The incident happened in the evening following England's 1-1 draw with the United States.

Mr Sharp described how a brief scuffle involving Perry's group of friends developed in the pub's beer garden as they left.

CCTV footage shown in court showed the group then cross the road outside.

But, according to Mr Sharp, Mr Wilson followed them out and started shouting at Perry.

He said he shouted things like: "Let's finish this" and "bring it on".

Mr Sharp said: "He (Mr Wilson) was no doubt annoying. He was no doubt aggravating. Other people were telling him to calm down and leave it alone."

The prosecutor also said Mr Wilson had been drinking and may have taken other drugs.

But he said: "However annoying Mr Wilson was, however aggravating Mr Wilson was, however angry Mr Wilson was, that was no excuse for what happened next."

The incident was caught by a number of cameras in the surrounding area.

Mr Sharp told the jury how Perry, who had watched the match at the nearby Headingley cricket ground, told police he was acting in self-defence.

He said he was pre-empting an attack from Mr Wilson.

The prosecutor said: "It was not self-defence. It was a straightforward assault."

He added: "Mr Perry was some distance away from Mr Wilson and so were his friends.

"If Mr Perry had felt threatened by Mr Wilson all he to do was get into the car and drive off.

"Instead he turned towards Mr Wilson, waited for a car to pass, crossed over and delivered a hard punch.

"There was no need for him to return to Mr Wilson at all nor was there any need, in all the circumstances, to hit him so hard that Mr Wilson was knocked to the ground and fractured his skull."

Perry, of Shadwell Walk, Leeds, denies one charge of manslaughter.

The trial continues tomorrow.