A man accused of murdering a businessman in Staffordshire has pleaded not guilty. Billy Allison, 36, a member of the flag-raising group Raise the Colours, appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
Mr Allison entered not guilty pleas to the murder of Matthew O’Gara and to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a second person. He appeared via video link from HMP Dovegate.
Staffordshire police previously stated that officers were called to the Ricco & Loren bar on Market Street in Lichfield at 11.25pm on 24 May after reports of two men being punched. Mr O’Gara, director of the Plough pub in Huddlesford, sustained serious injuries and died in hospital two days later. The second man was discharged from hospital.
Judge Mukherjee informed Mr Allison on Tuesday that his trial is scheduled for 28 October and is expected to last for approximately 10 days.