Family ‘will never get over’ death of pub owner killed in punch-up at bar

Tributes have been paid to a pub owner who died after a bar fight.

Matt O’Gara died in hospital three days after reportedly being punched in the Ricco and Loren bar in Market Street in Lichfieldat 11.25pm on Sunday.

Billy Allison, 36, from Solihull, was arrested just after 5am on Monday.

He has been charged with murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

Tributes flooded in for the ‘much-loved’ man, who is a director of The Plough pub in the village of Huddlesford, near the city.

‘My beautiful son taken away from us so suddenly,’ she said.

‘Dad and me will never get over this. You were too young to leave us. Forever in our hearts.’

His niece Jade added: ‘My first best friend and my uncle. I will forever keep saying you were the BEST person.’

Another added: ‘My beautiful boy forever loved and missed always.’

CllrDoug Pullen said: ‘Like many people across Lichfield, I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of a well-known and much-loved local businessman following the incident in the city center this weekend.

‘My thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone at The Plough during what will be an incredibly difficult time.

‘Lichfield is a safe and welcoming city with a strong sense of community, which is why news like this is felt so deeply by so many people.’

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: ‘We were called to the Ricco and Loren bar on Market Street at 11.25pm on Sunday (24 May) following reports that two men had been punched.

‘Sadly, one of the men, who was seriously injured, died in hospital this afternoon. His family are being supported by specialist officers at this tragic time.

‘The second victim was also taken to hospital but has since been discharged.’

Allison, 36, from Solihull, will appear at Stafford Crown Court on Thursday.