Single Blow Killed Co Antrim Brawl Victim

The Inquest has been held into the death of a 45-year-old man who was felled by a single blow while drinking in what was then a Royal British Legion club.

Kevin Coiley, from nearby Longlands Park, Newtownabbey, died after a single punch to the face sent him to the floor.

The MFI delivery man had been at the Co Antrim club - since renamed as Whitehouse Services Club - and known locally as 'the hut, after finishing work early for Christmas when he was attacked by Ciaran Corbett.

Recalling events in late December 2007, this week's probe has been told that the victim was left on the club's floor for 15 minutes with a serious head injury but no one rang for an ambulance.

The inquest heard yesterday that the victim fell at the Old Church Road premises beside the Abbey Centre complex as the blow caused him to fall, hitting his head on the tiled floor.

Witnesses described seeing blood come out of Mr Coiley's right ear, glassy eyes and described him as "disorientated".

Earlier that evening, Corbett's brother Michael had also assaulted Mr Coiley - less seriously following an argument.

Ciaran Corbett then attacked Mr Coiley between 20 to 30 minutes later. The reason for the argument was not disclosed in court.

Deputy State Pathologist Dr Alistair Bailey found in his report, following a post mortem examination, that the fatal head injury most likely occurred when his head hit the tiled floor.

The coroner also asked each witness why an ambulance or police were not called and the coroner heard that Mr Coiley later made his way home and died from the injuries sustained in the bar.

See: Legion Murder Victim Named

(BMcC)