Hartlepool alcoholic was punched and kicked to the head

Kieran Potts is accused of delivering a flurry of punches and kicks to Norman Ryan just minutes after the defendant had become embroiled in a brawl with his father.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 55-year-old was found covered in blood and unconscious in his Hartlepool flat minutes after Potts had argued with his father Carl.

Dr Louise Mulcahy, a Home Office pathologist, said Mr Ryan had suffered between four and seven blows to his head and face as well as suffering ‘defensive’ injuries to his arms and hands.

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She told jurors that Mr Ryan had died as a result of head injuries caused by blunt force trauma consistent with kicks, fist blows or stamps.

Norman Ryan (Image: Cleveland Police)

And Consultant Neuropathologist Dr Daniel Du Plessis said the alleged victim had suffered unsurvivable bleeds to the brain which resulted in him enduring a number of strokes without ever regaining consciousness.

Earlier the court heard how, Kieran Potts became embroiled in a short-lived brawl with his father Carl while they were drinking Mr Ryan’s flat on Troutpool Close on August 31 last year.

Troutpool Close, Hartlepool (Image: Google)

Carl Potts and his partner, Samantha Coulson, left shortly afterwards and Kieran followed them out into the street hurling abuse and threats in their wake.

Jurors heard how Potts junior returned to the flat of his 55-year-old drinking buddy but was again back in the street boasting that - “I’ve just knocked Norman out now I’m going to get you, you n****’.

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Mr Ryan died several days later in hospital without regaining consciousness.

Kieran Potts, Moffatt Road, Hartlepool, denies murder.

The trial continues.