A founding member of the Raise the Colours campaign, which promotes flying St George's flags and Union Jacks from lampposts, has denied murdering pub landlord Matthew O'Gara. Billy Allison, 36, appeared via video link at Stafford Crown Court to deny charges of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent following a fatal attack outside a cocktail bar in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

Police were called to the Ricco & Loren bar at 11.25pm on 24 May after reports that two men had been punched; Mr O'Gara, a director of The Plough pub in nearby Huddlesford, later died in hospital, while the second victim, Adam Cooper, was treated and discharged. Judge Avik Mukherjee remanded Allison in custody and set a ten-day trial for 28 October, warning him it would proceed without him if he failed to attend. Mr O'Gara's death prompted tributes from the hospitality industry and Lichfield Rugby Club, which described him as a valued sponsor and friend.