One of the original members of Raise the Colours, a group known for hanging English and British flags on lampposts, has been apprehended and accused of a homicide. Billy Allison, hailing from Solihull, made an appearance at Stafford Crown Court following charges of murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent related to an incident in Lichfield on May 24.
The court session ensued subsequent to law enforcement responding to an altercation at the Ricco and Loren bar on Market Street, Lichfield, late Sunday night. The altercation resulted in two individuals being assaulted. Tragically, Matthew O’Gara, one of the victims, passed away in the hospital on Tuesday, while the other victim, Adam Cooper, has been discharged after receiving medical care. O’Gara was the director of The Plough pub in the nearby village of Huddlesford.
Appearing in a blue long-sleeved top, Allison stood before Judge Avik Mukherjee for a brief eight-minute hearing. A trial date, anticipated to span two weeks, was scheduled for October 26. Judge Mukherjee informed the defendant, who stood with folded hands, that the next court appearance would be in September, at which time Allison would be detained.
Addressing Allison directly, the judge instructed him to attend the upcoming court dates diligently throughout the trial. Acknowledging the instructions, Allison nodded and was escorted back to the holding cells by a custody officer post-hearing.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson from the Ricco and Loren bar expressed deep sadness, stating that as a local family business, they are devastated by recent events. The bar is cooperating closely with the authorities and will remain closed for a brief period to support their staff.
Allison is affiliated with Raise the Flag, an activist group advocating for the display of the Union Flag and St. George’s Cross in public spaces.