Single punch led to fatal brain injury, manslaughter trial hears

A single punch may have knocked a Bury St Edmunds father unconscious before he suffered a fatal brain injury, a manslaughter trial has heard.

Andrew Allen, 55, of Severn Road, Bury St Edmunds, denies the manslaughter of Scott Lisney, 56, following an incident at St Olaves Precinct on 26 July last year.

Prosecutors allege Mr Lisney died after receiving a single punch during an altercation in the town centre.

On the second day of the trial at Peterborough Crown Court, jurors heard evidence from forensic pathologist Dr Anna Biddlestone about Mr Lisney’s fatal injuries.

The court heard that Mr Lisney suffered a head injury and later became unresponsive while being treated at West Suffolk Hospital.

Subsequent tests on his brain stem showed that his brain had ceased functioning.

Dr Biddlestone said Mr Lisney died from a head injury and had developed a haematoma caused by bleeding from veins inside his skull.

She told the court the punch itself may have knocked him unconscious.

Mr Lisney also suffered minor bruising to his abdomen, elbow and finger. Dr Biddlestone said the finger injury could have occurred while he was defending himself.

The medical evidence followed testimony given on Tuesday by eyewitness Dale Sturman, who said he saw two men standing “toe-to-toe” before witnessing a punch being thrown.

Mr Sturman told the court that Mr Lisney fell backwards “rigidly” and struck his head on the concrete.

The jury heard that Mr Lisney later appeared coherent and wanted to go home.

He was subsequently taken to West Suffolk Hospital, where he became unresponsive and later died.

Following his death, his family described him as a kind-hearted man who was much loved in the community.

An online tribute said: “Scott was a character on the estate for sure and a helpful man in the community, always offering his help where needed. He will be missed by many.”

After the agreed facts were read out to the jury, proceedings were adjourned until Thursday morning.

The manslaughter trial continues at Peterborough Crown Court.