“Tracy McConnell was his target and he went and struck him with that express purpose.

“The CCTV confirms that Jason D’Aguilar threw the last punch that Tracy McConnell received.”

Just moments later, the alleged killer was heard crying and said to friends “what have I done?”.

Mr McConnell died in hospital just hours after the attack on March 20.

The court heard that Mr McConnell had enjoyed a night of drinking with his nephew and friends when the mood became aggressive at the Fordrough.

Casey had sought Matthew McConnell for a confrontation and “the insults soon turned in to blows”, said Mr Grieves-Smith.

After the pair were separated for a second time outside, more men arrived in cars and a third period of fighting broke out.

Mr Grieves-Smith said that one witness, Luke Smith, had seen D’Aguilar remove his cap before approaching Mr McConnell and hitting him in the face with his left fist.

It is alleged that D’Aguilar was later heard to say: “If the police ask, just say I had my hat on.”

When he was arrested, D’Aguilar told police that he may have struck Mr McConnell lightly in self defence but had seen another man “steam in to him”.

Mr Grieves-Smith added: “He said he didn’t throw the final punch. The Crown now understands that is no longer his position.”

*Matthew McConnell, yesterday pleaded guilty to affray in connection with the violence.

The 26-year-old, of Longlands, West Heath, will be sentenced after the trial has finished.

Casey, aged 20, whose address has been withheld by the court, denies a charge of affray.

(proceeding)