Lancaster bouncer found not guilty in 'tragic' one punch manslaughter trial
22-year-old Joshua Hughes died after being in an altercation outside Glow nightclub in Lancaster in June last year.
The Jury has found that doorman Sean Orrell acted in self defence when he returned a punch to Joshua Hughes outside the Glow nightclub in Lancaster in June 2022.
22-year-old Hughes died from his injuries four days later as he was left with brain injuries and a fractured skull after his head hit the pavement outside the club on Mary Street.
Mr Hughes had been kicked out of Glow Nightclub by a number of door staff- which the court was told prompted an argument outside the venue.
CCTV presented to the jury at Preston Crown Court showed Josh and his friends verbally abusing and spitting at security before mr Hughes threw a punch at 33-year-old Sean Orrell.
The doorman, who was on trial for manslaughter, returned a punch that caused Josh Hughes to fall back and hit his head on the floor.
Under cross examination Mr Orrell admitted he had gone against his training in how he handled the situation - But maintained he believed throwing a punch in return it was the best way to protect himself, in what he believed to be a threatening situation.
This morning the prosecution told the court that in their view Mr Orrell 'saw red and lost his cool' and that his 'intent was hostile'.
The defence refuted this saying that Mr Orrell had 'acted in the definition of self defence' adding 'The death of Mr Hughes was tragic and needless but accidental'