Teenager killed when fight erupted outside nightclub died from a single punch, expert says

A teenager killed when riots broke out outside a city center nightclub died from a single blow, jurors have heard.

Steven Thompson, 19, was out and about in South Tyneside on the last bank holiday weekend in August when he was attacked in the open road. He died in the hospital.

Ian Hall, 41, of South Shields, denies manslaughter and is being tried by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.

Leon Wildgoose, 22, and Dylan Ford, 23, both of South Shields, have already pleaded guilty to the charges.

Steven Thompson, 19, (pictured) was out and about in South Tyneside on the last Bank Holiday weekend in August when he was attacked in the open road. He died in the hospital

The court heard, after a disturbance broke out outside Roxannes nightclub, Ian Hall, who was also out that night, had headbutted another man and then punched or punched Mr Thompson, and they both landed on the ground

The court heard after a disturbance broke out outside the Roxannes nightclub, Hall, who had also been socializing that night, had headbutted another man and then hit or headbutted Mr Thompson and they both ended up on the Floor.

The court heard Mr Thompson was then attacked by the two younger men, got back to his feet and was chased across the street before Wildgoose delivered a punch from which “he never got up”.

In a written statement, Home Office pathologist Dr. Jennifer Bolton that it was the final blow that caused Mr Thompson’s death.

She explained: “Steven Thompson died of complications from a blunt head injury. It was a head injury that resulted in unconsciousness, followed by post-compressive cardiac arrest and eventual death.’

dr Bolton added: “The head injury is the result of a powerful, blunt impact. This impact was caused by an accelerated fall from a standing height.’

Newcastle Crown Court heard Mr Thompson was then attacked by the two younger men, got back up and was chased across the street before Wildgoose delivered a punch from which “he never got up”.

dr Bolton said the bruising to Mr Thompson’s jaw coincided with a blow that “knocked him out”.

“That blow was ultimately the cause of his head injury and eventual death,” said Dr. Bolton and ruled out that Mr Thompson’s death was caused by violence earlier in the disorder – when he went down twice.

She said: “Mr Thompson was able to bounce back immediately with no apparent ill effects.”

“The earlier components can be ruled out from causing the fatal head injury.”

dr Bolton said Mr Thompson had no bruises on his ankles, suggesting he did not deal a punch himself.

Prosecutors allege Hall’s “aggressive approach” to Mr Thompson “encouraged the other two to join in and attack Steven Thompson” and claim they are all bearing the consequences of what happened.

Halle denies manslaughter.

The process goes on.