Lisa Denton was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after allegedly being attacked in North Shields, Tyne and Wear – she sadly passed away a few hours later
A woman in her 40s has died after sustaining a severe head injury in an alleged assault outside a pub. Lisa Denton, 40, was rushed to hospital reportedly after 10pm on Saturday (January 24) in a critical condition.
Tragically, she died the morning after the alleged attack in North Shields, Tyne and Wear. Liam Moor, 19, has since been charged with a manslaughter charge.
Another woman, in her 50s, was also taken into custody on suspicion of aiding an offender but has since been released on police bail while investigations continue. Emergency services were called out to Charlie’s Bar on Russell Street on the night of the incident, with a cordon set up around the premises.
Her sister Gillian posted on Facebook early before she had sadly been pronounced dead: “Tonight between 9.30 and 12pm my sister was attacked and punched in the face at Charlie’s bar north shields. She is in intensive care fighting for her life.
“If anyone knows anything please contact us or the police…… let’s get this person before he does it to any other female.” Moor, of Telford Street in the East Howdon area, has been remanded in custody to appear before Bedlington Magistrates’ Court.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector, Mark Atherton, said: “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.” He added: “With proceedings now active, we would ask that the public avoid speculation, both online and in the community, and respect the ongoing legal process.”
Similar incidents are sadly not that rare. Last year, McKenzie Dicicco, aged 22 at the time, admitted to the manslaughter of James Hitchcock, aged 32 at the time, after striking him in the back of the head at York railway station.
Leeds Crown Court heard that it remained a mystery why Dicicco lashed out at James, a gifted goalie, as he strolled through the station with his mates. James and his pals tried to cool things down when Dicicco got aggressive, before parting ways, the Daily Star previously reported.
But a quarter of an hour later, Dicicco came back from platform 10 where he’d been waiting for a train, knowing James was in line for some food. Spotting James, Dicicco approached the dad from behind, landed a punch on his head, causing him to tumble to the ground, then ran from the station, Leeds Crown Court was told.
Coppers and medics dashed to the scene, rushing James off to hospital with a severe head injury. Tragically, James succumbed to his injuries three days later on 18 December, with his family by his side.
Dicicco was arrested by BTP officers after CCTV and financial probes led them to him. He was charged with murder on December 18 2024.
He pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge on Friday June 6 2025. Both men played at the non-league level of English football.
Bridlington Town, where James Hitchcock played 250 games, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late goalkeeper and father. The club’s statement expressed their shock: “It is with disbelief that the club has been made aware of the death of our much loved ex goalkeeper James Hitchcock in tragic circumstances.
“The word ‘devastated’ does not explain how we as a club feel at this time.” They continued to honour his memory: “‘Hitch’ will always be on our minds and in our hearts and our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers go to April and Freddie and all the family.”
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