Man died from one punch by Big Issue seller outside a Bristol Sainsbury's, court hears

Bristol Crown Court told Ryan Lovegrove had been putting away his belongings when Lee Willingham said: 'He's not homeless, don't trust him'

The incident took place outside a Sainsbury's Local (Google Maps)

A man died after a Big Issue seller allegedly knocked him to ground with a single punch to the jaw outside a supermarket, a jury has heard.

Ryan Lovegrove, 22, was sitting at his usual selling spot outside a Sainsbury's Local chatting to two men when he was approached by Lee Willingham, 41, Bristol Crown Court heard.

Rachel Drake, prosecuting, told the court Lovegrove had been putting away his belongings when Mr Willingham said: "He's not homeless, don't trust him."

The court heard he suddenly stood up and punched Mr Willingham on the jaw. Lovegrove then reportedly fled the scene.

Mr Willingham fell, hit his head on the pavement and suffering from a brain bleed, died nine days later.

Ms Drake told the court: "He [Willingham] had a swelling in the centre of his forehead but was combative with those attempting to treat him, leaving the ambulance.

"It was apparent that he was drunk and suffering from a head injury and with police assistance he was secured on a trolley bed."

Lovegrove, from Montrose Park in Brislington, denies one charge of manslaughter. He was originally arrested for grievous bodily harm and cautioned.

The court heard that Lovegrove told police in an interview: "I hit him once, I know there is CCTV, I am bang to rights. People can't expect to start on someone and not get hit."

Amateur rugby players Josh Hayden-Lennon and John Lennox were chatting with Lovegrove at the time of the incident.

Ms Drake told the court: "Mr Lennox and Mr Haydon-Lennon jumped to the defendant's defence, standing between the two new arrivals and Mr Lovegrove, who remained on the ground.

"Mr Lennox describes Mr Lovegrove gathering his belongings, placing his tobacco, phone and so on in a plastic bag.

"He stood and threw a straight punch at Mr Willingham's jaw, who fell backwards onto the pavement. The defendant then hurried away."

On being questioned in court, Mr Lennox said Lovegrove had not punched Mr Willingham "particularly hard".

The trial continues.