One of the original members of Raise the Colours, a group known for displaying English and British flags on lampposts, has been apprehended and accused of murder.

Billy Allison, hailing from Solihull, made an appearance at Stafford Crown Court following charges of murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm related to an incident in Lichfield on May 24.

Authorities responded to a disturbance at the Ricco and Loren bar on Market Street, Lichfield, where two men were reportedly assaulted late Sunday night. Matthew O’Gara, one of the victims, passed away in the hospital on Tuesday, while the other victim, Adam Cooper, was treated and discharged. O’Gara was the director of The Plough pub in the nearby village of Huddlesford.

Dressed in a blue long-sleeved top, Allison stood before Judge Avik Mukherjee during a brief eight-minute court session. A trial date, scheduled for October 26 and anticipated to last two weeks, was set during the hearing.

Judge Mukherjee informed Allison, who stood with his hands clasped, that his next court appearance would be in September and that he would be held in custody until then.

The judge instructed Allison to attend his trial daily, emphasizing his obligation to be present. Allison acknowledged the instructions and was escorted back to the holding cells by a custody officer.

A representative from the Ricco and Loren bar expressed deep sorrow over the recent events and stated their collaboration with law enforcement during this challenging period. The bar announced a temporary closure to provide their staff with time off.

Allison is affiliated with Raise the Flag, an initiative that advocates for the display of the Union Flag and the St George’s Cross in public areas.