'Killed by one punch'

'Killed by one punch'

Oct 8 2004

South London Press

Scott Elliott, 21, allegedly knocked 28-year-old Joseph Macari to the floor in front of a policewoman trying to break up the fight which involved more than 20 people.

Mr Macari died in hospital from head injuries. On Wednesday, the Old Bailey heard how Mr Macari had taken a taxi to the Kennington takeaway at around 1am on November 3, 2003.

He was leaning against the counter when a drunken man walked in shouting for a taxi.

Prosecutor Wendy Joseph QC said: "This man was the sparking point for what was to follow.

"It seems that Joe must have said something because the man suddenly lunged at him, although no physical contact was made."

Mr Macari's friends followed the man outside into Kennington Lane, and asked, "What his problem was".

Other drinkers then ran over from The Thinker pub and began scuffling with the group, it was claimed.

Miss Joseph said: "By this time there was a general melee going on out in the street involving at least 20 people.

"Two policewomen by chance passed by and approached a group of about eight men who were punching and pushing each other."

One PC noticed Mr Macari, who was from Swansea, standing to the side of the street with a glazed expression and his hands by his sides, the court heard.

Miss Joseph said: "He was clearly drunk. When she looked back she suddenly saw Scott Elliott swing out with a blow that caught Joseph Macari in the face.

"He fell backwards with nothing to break his fall and he hit the ground with a distinct thud.

"Many people went down that night but he was the only one who went down and didn't get up again."

His eyes were partially open and he was breathing but there were gurgling sounds and a pool of blood was spreading beneath his head.

He was taken to St Thomas' Hospital but died that day.

Elliott, of Oval Place, Oval, was arrested after his friends tried to move him away from the fight, the court heard.

He later claimed he had been kicked in the eye while he was sitting on the curb.

He denies manslaughter. The trial continues.

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