WITNESSES in the Merseyside pub where an off-duty officer punched a man in the face told an inquest his actions were unprovoked.
Christopher Shackleton died from a stroke on July 29 last year, five days after being punched by PC Andrew Jackson in the Freshfield pub, Formby.
His inquest was told during the confrontation, which started over a spilled pint, Mr Shackleton headbutted Scott Oliver, who was out on a stag night, before being punched by PC Jackson.
PC Jackson later sent a text to friends who were all at the pub on July 24, the hearing was told.
It read: “I told the police I saw him [Mr Shackleton] reach for a glass and I hit him to protect Scott from further injury.”
But Mr Oliver, who did not press charges, said as far as he was aware nobody had reached for a glass. The inquest heard accounts from several witnesses in the pub.
Steve Formby said: “He [Jackson] swung round and gave an almighty punch to the victim’s head.
“It was unprovoked.”
But Steven Leyland said: “He [Mr Shackleton] was swinging out while the other two gentlemen were pulling him out of the pub.”
The hearing continues.
