Liam Moor pleaded not guilty to manslaughter this morning at Newcastle Crown Court following allegations he punched Lisa Denton once in the face outside a North Shields pub, with the 40-year-old rushed to hospital where she died the following morning.
The 19-year-old will stand trial on 14 September after entering his plea during the court hearing. Lisa suffered a fatal head injury during an incident outside Charlie’s Bar on Russell Street at approximately 10pm on 24 January.
Northumbria Police confirmed officers received a report of “concern for the welfare of a woman on Russell Street” following an “altercation” between two people outside the North Tyneside pub. Lisa was transported to hospital in a critical condition but could not be saved, being declared dead the next morning.
Prosecutor Clare Haswell told the court Moor is accused of striking Lisa “once to the face” before allegedly leaving the scene “without an attempt to provide first aid or call the emergency services.” The prosecution’s case centres on the single punch allegation and his subsequent departure without rendering assistance.
Lisa’s devastated family described her as “deeply loved” in a statement released following her death. “Our family is devastated to share that our Lisa sadly passed away from the injuries she sustained… at Charlie’s, North Shields,” the statement read. “She was deeply loved, and her loss has left a hole in our hearts that cannot be put into words. We are grateful for the love and support we’ve already received.”
Loved ones paid tribute to Lisa’s character and personality. “Lisa was the kind of person whose personality truly shone warm, genuine, and full of life, with a dry sense of humour that could catch you off guard and leave you smiling long after,” the tribute stated.
The tribute continued: “She had a way of making people feel seen and welcomed, whether they were lifelong friends or someone she’d just met.” The words painted a picture of a woman whose warmth and humour left lasting impressions on those who knew her.
A woman in her 50s was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with the case but has been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Northumbria Police have not disclosed details about the alleged assistance or the woman’s relationship to the incident.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Mark Atherton issued a statement emphasizing the tragic nature of Lisa’s death. “This is an incredibly tragic incident where a woman has sadly lost her life. Our thoughts remain firmly with Lisa’s loved ones at this time. We will continue to support them as they try to navigate a life without Lisa.”
Atherton urged the public to refrain from speculation now that legal proceedings are active. “With proceedings now active, we would ask that the public avoid speculation, both online and in the community, and respect the ongoing legal process,” he stated.
The warning addressed concerns about potential contempt of court issues arising from public commentary on social media or within the North Shields community about the circumstances of Lisa’s death and the charges against Moor.
The not guilty plea ensures a full trial will examine evidence from witnesses present outside Charlie’s Bar on the night of 24 January. Medical evidence about Lisa’s head injury and the cause of her death will be central to the prosecution’s case against the teenager.
The September trial date provides seven months for both prosecution and defence teams to prepare their cases for presentation to a jury at Newcastle Crown Court. The proceedings will determine whether Moor’s alleged actions caused Lisa’s death and whether he is guilty of manslaughter.
The investigation into the woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender continues, with police bail conditions in place whilst further enquiries are conducted. The outcome of that investigation will be determined separately from Moor’s trial scheduled for autumn.
Lisa’s family continues receiving support from police as they navigate life following her death. The “hole in our hearts” described in their statement reflects the profound impact her loss has had on loved ones who remember her warmth, humour and welcoming nature.
