Man knocked unconscious outside bar warns ‘one punch can kill’

By Leona O'Neill & Q Radio News

A man who was knocked unconscious outside a Derry-Londonderry bar during an altercation yesterday has warned others that ‘one punch can kill’.

32-year-old Bogside man Gareth Conaghan suffered a broken cheekbone and eye socket, a fractured skull and two bleeds in his brain.

Police have appealed for witnesses to what they have described as a serious assault on Creggan Street shortly before 3pm yesterday. 

LISTEN: Gareth speaking to QRadio's Leona O'Neill:

Speaking to Q Radio from his hospital bed, and reflecting on other one punch deaths, Gareth said he is lucky to be alive.

He said : "It's a dangerous thing, and it can happen. It happened a boy there in Limavady and he died four days later. I'm still not out of the woods at the minute yet and I just need to wait and see what the Doctor says."

Mr.Conaghan went on to say he wanted to 'raise awareness'.

He said "Walk away from any altercations that are happening and try and be the bigger person.

"Don't get yourself into trouble or you could end up getting charged or going to jail over the head of it, and ruining your own life then."

"So, be careful whenever you're out and look after your friends, look after your family members and look after whoever is out with you."