A MAN from North Yorkshire suffered fatal head injuries when he was struck with one punch towards the end of a stag night in Leeds, a jury was told.

Paramedics tried to revive Robert Adamczyk, 28, without success after he was floored by the blow from Andrew Wright, Sam Green prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

Mr Adamczyk, an engineer and talented amateur footballer from South Milford, was in Leeds city centre in the early hours of December 9 last year, initially as part of a stag party, but by 1.45 am he was alone with a friend James Michael Pollard.

They left a bar in New Briggate and soon after, their paths crossed with Wright and two of his friends, David Taylor and Kyle Monkman.

Mr Green said all five men had been drinking and Mr Adamczyk and his friend were “pretty merry.”

As they passed the Grand Theatre at the junction with Harrison Street, Mr Pollard was slightly ahead and hearing a noise turned to see Mr Adamczyk on the ground on his back not moving.

He said it was Mr Pollard’s recollection he was hit by one of the trio before they left the scene and he was unable to approach Mr Adamczyk who was not moving.

Mr Green told the jury a security guard at the Grand said he was in Harrison Street when he heard loud voices from New Briggate and saw a group of three men near two others, with the trio appearing to be the aggressors going towards the two shouting loudly.

He said Mr Adamczyk did not appear to raise his hand before he saw one of the other group punch him in the face.

“He appeared to come up off his feet a bit then fell backwards not even trying to break the fall with his arms, and upon striking the ground did not move.”

Wright, 19 of Whingate Grove, Leeds denies manslaughter and affray on December 9.

Taylor, 19 of Prince Edward Grove, Wortley, Leeds denies affray.

The jury has heard that Monkman, of Armley, Leeds, has admitted affray.

Mr Green said Mr Adamczyk was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead. “The prosecution case is the fatal punch was unjustified and was unlawful.”

He said after that punch there were further ugly scenes of violence as Mr Pollard was attacked and they appeared to gloat as they left the area appearing as cocky and arrogant and to “revel” in the violence meted out.

They subsequently went to a nightclub, but handed themselves in on December 10 after publicity about the death.

Wright then claimed to have acted in self defence after Mr Adamcyzk hit Taylor and looked aggressively at him.

Mr Green told the jury the Crown did not accept that Mr Adamcyzk posed a threat in any way to Wright and that the punch was unjustifiable.

The trial continues.

Mr Adamczyk was from South Milford and played left back for South Milford Football Club, which described him after his death as a “genuine, funny, gentle, fun-loving and kind man.”