Wexford Circuit Criminal Court heard yesterday that one of the Englishmen who was with Swedish man Mr Lars Forsmark the night he was knocked out following a row in a New Ross pub in July 2003, threatened to "bust" the head of one of the nine people facing charges over the fracas.
Mr Forsmark died in Wexford General Hospital following a row in Wickham's Pub, Mary Street, New Ross, Co Wexford.
Yesterday, the jury heard evidence from statements issued by one of the accused, Mr Owen Lennon, to gardaí in which he outlined his recollection of events in Wickham's Pub on the night of the row.
Mr Lennon made a number of statements and Sgt Ken Piper confirmed to Mr Pat McCarthy SC, prosecuting, that during one of the interviews the accused said Ms Noeleen Wickham - having officially finished serving - wanted the "strangers in the pub" to leave before she would serve the locals more drink.
According to Mr Lennon's statement, he approached one of the group of "strangers" and asked when they were going to leave but was told he was going to get his head "busted". The jury then heard more excerpts from his statement: "The Englishman struck me in the face ... I hit him in the face ... I got the smack of a pool cue on the head."
Earlier, Mr Jamie Somers told the court that he saw "one of the strangers" with a pool ball in his hand and that "one or two of the Ross lads also had pool balls in their hands".
Ms Emily Walsh told the court that she helped carry Mr Forsmark from the pub. She said she checked Mr Forsmark's pulse as he lay on the ground and said: "He was OK. I didn't think there was anything wrong with him I thought he was after kind of fainting."
Seven people face charges of violent disorder and endangerment: Mr Raymond Kelly, Brandon Park; Mr Owen Lennon, Barrack Lane; Ms Sinead Kane, Bosheen; Mr Anthony O'Leary, Bosheen Estate; and brothers, Mr Ian, Mr Stephen and Mr Jonathon Bolger, Nunnery Lane.
Husband and wife, Mr and Ms Seán and Noeleen Wickham, Wickham's Pub, face charges of endangerment and intent to pervert the course of justice. Ms Kane also faces a charge of assisting offenders.
All nine have pleaded not guilty. The case continues today.