Family pays tribute to 'beloved' grandad who died after brawl at Butlin's - 'A piece of our hearts has been lost and can never be replaced'

"To find the right words to describe our loss is impossible. A piece of our hearts has been lost and can never be replaced."
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The family of a man who died following a single punch at Butlin's Bognor Regis resort has paid tribute to a 'beloved partner, father, grandad, brother and uncle'.

Michael Loughlin, 52, from Barton-le-Clay in Bedford suffered a single punch to the head and fell to the floor during an altercation between rival stag dos in the bar area shortly before midnight on June 14, 2019.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Michael, who was known as Locky to family and friends, was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he sadly died of his injuries four days later.

Michael Loughlin was known as Locky to family and friends. Photo: Sussex PoliceMichael Loughlin was known as Locky to family and friends. Photo: Sussex Police
Michael Loughlin was known as Locky to family and friends. Photo: Sussex Police

On Monday, (December 21), Billy Mongey, 33, of Tooting Grove in Wandsworth was found not guilty of manslaughter by the jury following a trial of just over a week at Lewes Crown Court. Read more hereMichael's family said: "He was a man who deeply loved his family and his family loved, doted and depended upon him.

"We will carry our memories of him in our hearts forever."

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Wolstenholme, of the Sussex Police major crime team said, as this 'tragic case has demonstrated', a single punch can have 'absolutely devastating consequences'.

He added: "This has been a lengthy investigation, which has had an impact on all people connected with the investigation.

Billy Mongey, 33, of Tooting Grove in Wandsworth, was found not guilty of manslaughterBilly Mongey, 33, of Tooting Grove in Wandsworth, was found not guilty of manslaughter
Billy Mongey, 33, of Tooting Grove in Wandsworth, was found not guilty of manslaughter
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We'd like to thank the family for their bravery, the witnesses who have assisted with our enquiries, and staff at the holiday park for their help and co-operation.

"It was important that the case was decided by a jury, and we are very respectful of the careful consideration of the evidence given by those members of the public who served on the jury.

"Michael leaves behind a grieving family who are completely devastated and would like their privacy to be respected at this difficult time."

Butlin's said it noted the court verdict but would 'place on record our appreciation' to Sussex Police for its 'professional and sensitive work over this period'.

Butlin's offered its 'deepest condolences' to the family and friends of Mr LoughlinButlin's offered its 'deepest condolences' to the family and friends of Mr Loughlin
Butlin's offered its 'deepest condolences' to the family and friends of Mr Loughlin
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A statement issued on behalf of the holiday resort read: "This was a tragic incident and our deepest condolences remain with the family and friends of Mr Loughlin as they continue to grieve his loss."

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.