A boxing fan is on trial for killing a man with a single punch that made the victim's 'skull rotate rapidly on his spine'.
Brandon Sillence was drinking at The Waverley pub in Bangor, North Wales, in September last year when he allegedly attacked 'without provocation'.
The 25-year-old used his fists to deliver the fatal blow to the unsuspecting Dean Skillin, 20, which resulted in him 'being brain dead before he hit the ground'.
During the ongoing trial, prosecutor John Philpotts said Sillence had approached Skillin and his cousin Taylor Lock before punching them both in front of horrified customers.
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The violence erupted outside the pub after Sillence had allegedly been acting 'aggressively'.
Caernarfon Crown Court heard how Sillence was 'keenly interested' in boxing and had filmed himself shadow boxing on numerous occasions.
Philpotts said: "The punch struck Dean Skillin and fractured the vertebrae, damaging the vertebral artery with the bleeding compromising Dean Skillin's brain stem and resulting in him being brain dead before he hit the ground."
Discussing the attack, Taylor Lock explained that he felt a blow to the left side of his jaw before he regained his senses and saw his cousin unconscious on the floor.
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He said: "A man was looking at me very aggressively. He said: 'You think you're big boys'."
Paramedics rushed Dean to hospital where a CT showed a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain.
He tragically died the following morning, with a post mortem revealing that the blow had caused Dean's skull to rotate 'rapidly and violently' on the top of the spine.
North Wales Live reports how a police officer who was on duty as 30 to 40 customers were leaving The Waverley said: "I heard an awful, hollow thud and several people gasp."
Police officers then arrested Sillence, whose statements were read out by Philpotts and a detective in court.
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Sillence told Detective Constable Lee Harshey-Jones: "Two lads were ready to go for my mate, so I slapped them both.
"It was just a warning. I wasn't aggressive. I have not tried to hurt anybody. I wanted to go home. I've got a little girl at home.
"I just literally jabbed. I have gone 'boom, boom'. I just wanted them to f**k off. I was looking forward to going home to my bird, mate."
Sillence was interviewed at Caernarfon Police Station, insisting that he had not intended to kill anyone.
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He said: "I am not a bionic man. I have just moved my hand forward. I did not intend anyone to die."
Sillence has admitted to manslaughter but is standing trial for murder. The trial continues.
Words: Daisy Phillipson
Topics: Court Case, UK News, crime, Wales