Ex-amateur boxer on trial accused of killing brother with single punch after a row over 'inappropriate sexual comments'

Dominic Robson, 26, and Jordan Bell, 27, who were siblings but grew up separately after being adopted by different families, were spotted in a "heated argument" at Joseph's bar in Sunderland on July 10 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard it is claimed the row was over comments Mr Bell had made to Robson's girlfriend, who was with them.

After they left the pub and walked along Holmeside in the city, Robson threw one punch with his left hand that sent Mr Bell crashing to the ground and caused devastating head injuries that led to his death two weeks later, jurors heard.

Robson, of Birchwood, South Hylton, Sunderland, denies manslaughter and is being tried by a jury.

The court heard Robson claims he hit out in self defence because he believed Mr Bell had been about to "fling a punch".

The deadly blow was caught on CCTV and footage of what happened has been played to jurors.

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds told the court Robson walked away with his girlfriend after he threw the fatal punch.

A passer-by had heard a "thud" then saw Mr Bell lying on the ground and alerted a police officer, who found him unresponsive.

Mr Bell was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where a CT scan revealed haemorrhaging to the brain and a fractured skull, among other injuries.

He died two weeks later, with a viral infection of the brain being the primary cause.

Mr Dodds said a doorman at Joseph's Bar, where the brothers had been drinking, along with Robson's girlfriend, had seen the men arguing.

The court heard the doorman said he saw Robson being "aggressive" and pointing at his brother while Mr Bell, who "had had far too much to drink", appeared to be "more defensive".

Mr Dodds added: "It transpires the defendant was annoyed at certain inappropriate sexual comments Mr Bell had made to his girlfriend."

CCTV showed the men, and Robson's girlfriend, left the bar together, after Mr Bell dropped his glass inside, and walked along Holmeside.

The brothers appear to be talking and then Mr Bell crossed over the road and back again.

Mr Dodds said: "The defendant punches him to the head with his left hand and causes Jordan Bell to fall to the ground."

The court heard Robson and his girlfriend walked to another bar after the violence but left without getting a drink and got the bus to her home.

Robson was arrested at his home the following day, initially on suspicion of GBH with intent.

He told detectives during interview Mr Bell had initially been in an "ok" mood when they had a drink at a nearby bar called the Borough but he "changed dramatically" and "had been saying sexual jokes" towards Robson's girlfriend in Joseph's bar.

Robson said when they were in the street he hit out, once, in self defence.

He added: "Jordan came towards me. He was going to fling a punch so I reacted in self defence.

"I hit him once.

"Obviously he has fallen and hit his head on concrete."

Robson also told police he had been an amateur boxer for six or seven years.

The trial continues.

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