Staffordshire pub to remain closed today as team thanks community for 'love and kindness' following devastating killing

The Plough, on Huddlesford Lane, near Lichfield, has confirmed that they will remain closed today, to give their team more time to grieve the loss of their ‘much-loved’ director.

It comes after Staffordshire Police were called to the Ricco and Loren bar, in Market Street, Lichfield, at around 11.25pm on Sunday, May 24, to reports that two men had been punched.

Tragically, one of the men, Matt O’Gara, sustained serious injuries and later died in hospital on Tuesday.

Mr O’Gara was the director of the Plough pub, which closed suddenly yesterday to give themselves time to grieve the sad loss.

Now, the pub has announced that they will continue to be closed today, before reopening tomorrow, and have given their thanks for the community’s ‘love, kindness and support’.

A spokesperson for the pub said: “We just want to say a huge thank you for all the love, kindness and support we’ve received over the last few days.

“The overwhelming support has truly meant so much to our staff and us during such a difficult time.

“We will remain closed today to give our team a little more time and care before reopening tomorrow.”

The pub has asked for the community's continued patience in this trying time.

The spokesperson added: “We kindly ask for continued patience and kindness towards our staff over the coming days and weeks, as this has been an incredibly tough time for everyone involved.

“We really appreciate everyone’s understanding and sensitivity around recent events.

“Thank you again for all of your support.”

Following the death, Billy Allison, of Cropthorne Road, Shirley, aged 36, was arrested and charged with murder and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with the incident, and appeared at Stafford Crown Court today.

The court heard a date for trial, which is expected to last two weeks, was set for October 26.

A date was set for September for a plea and trial preparation hearing, with Allison being remanded into custody.