Lamppost flag campaign founder denies murdering popular pub landlord

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 08:55 EDT, 1 September 2026 | Updated: 09:09 EDT, 1 September 2026 A founding member of the Raise the Colours group – which campaigns to get St George's flags and Union Jacks raised on lampposts across the country – has denied the murder of a popular pub landlord in an attack outside a cocktail bar. Billy Allison, 36, is accused of the murder of village pub owner Matthew O'Gara during an incident in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Police were called to the Ricco & Loren bar in the cathedral city at 11.25pm on May 24 following reports two men had been punched. One of the men, Mr O'Gara, sustained serious injuries and died in hospital on Tuesday.The force said the second victim in the assault, Adam Cooper, was taken to hospital but has since been discharged.Appearing via video link for a hearing at Stafford Crown Court today, Allison denied murder and a separate charge of grievous bodily harm with intent relating to Mr Cooper. Judge Avik Mukherjee remanded Allison in custody and warned him that failure to attend his trial would result in it continuing in his absence.A trial, which is expected to last for ten days, has been set for October 28. Billy Allison, 36, is charged with murder and grievous bodily harm with intent Lichfield Rugby Club said Matthew O'Gara was a 'very generous and valued sponsor' as well as a friend Police were called to the Ricco & Loren bar in Lichfield following reports two men had been punchedThe judge told Allison: 'I have adjourned your case for trial to the 28th of October. You will be produced at court for that hearing. Please make sure that you attend. You will be remanded in custody until the 28th of October.'Mr O'Gara was a director of The Plough pub in the village of Huddlesford, just outside Lichfield.Following his death in May, the business said in a post on its Facebook page that 'due to some very sad news' it would be closing for a few days 'to give our staff and the family involved the time, privacy, and respect they need'.A number of firms across the hospitality industry have commented on the post, sending their condolences to those who knew Mr O'Gara, while Lichfield Rugby Club also paid tribute to the publican.'It is with regret and deep sadness that we share the tragic news of the death of one of our rugby family,' the club said, adding that Mr O'Gara was also a 'very generous and valued sponsor' as well as a friend.Raise the Colours has its origins in south Birmingham and considers itself a 'grassroots movement for unity and patriotism' which aims to 'cover Britain in flags'.