Norwich man set to stand trial for Norfolk murder in January

Tyrone Busch, 40, was arrested on suspicion of murder after Michael O'Dwyer - also known as Michael Spooner - died in hospital 24 hours after an assault outside the Red Lion pub in Dereham.

Mr O'Dwyer, who was in his 30s, was able to go to his home in Dereham after the incident at the Dereham pub on July 20.

The Red Lion pub in Dereham (Image: Google) However, paramedics were called to the address at around 5am on July 21 after his condition deteriorated.

He was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where he died hours later.

On July 23, police were notified of his death and enquiries revealed a serious assault had occurred outside the Red Lion a few days earlier.

Busch, who was arrested on suspicion of murder while at another pub seven miles away on July 24, was due to appear at Norwich Crown Court on Monday (July 29) for a preliminary hearing.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) The defendant, from Hall Road, Norwich, was not produced at court but a provisional trial date of January 20 next year was fixed by Judge Alice Robinson.

Judge Alice Robinson (Image: Newsquest) A plea and trial preparation hearing was set for October 15.

Andrew Jackson appeared on behalf of the prosecution while Ed Renvoize represented Busch.

A post-mortem examination has revealed the provisional cause of Mr O'Dwyer's death was a traumatic head injury.

Following Mr O'Dwyer's death, his family released a statement which said: "Michael was a kind and gentle soul who always saw the best in people and wanted the best for them.

"He is greatly loved by his family and his many, many friends and that love will always remain.

"Michael adored his two sons and has been taken from them far too soon.”

Friends have described Mr O'Dwyer, also known as Michael Spooner, as "lovely" and "very sweet".