A bus driver died after a boy leapt in the air and hit him with a swinging punch on his temple, an inquest heard.
David Cameron, 47, was returning home from meeting his step-daughter when he came across a group of four 14-year-old lads.
There was a clash and he was hit by a hook from one boy – later described as “a clean knockout” by one of his friends.
The boy, who cannot be named, was arrested on suspicion of murder but no charges were brought.
He had “anger issues” and, when drinking, would punch walls and glass until his knuckles were cut and scarred, the hearing was told.
(Image: PA)
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After punching Mr Cameron he appeared “happy he had won”, his friend told the inquest.
Mr Cameron died in December 2019 after the attack in Consett, Co Durham.
On the night, he had been drinking and fell in the street when one of the boys helped him up.
The attacker told his pal that assisting him was “a bit gay”, the inquest heard.
(Image: PA)
His attitude angered Mr Cameron and he pushed the boy, who retaliated with a leaping punch.
A friend of the attacker told the inquest in Crook, Co Durham: “He looked like he was going to hook him but he had to jump up because the man was quite tall.
“He struck him on the temple.
“He fell back and his arms dropped and I think he hit his head as he fell.”
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The inquest heard the boy regretted his actions on hearing Mr Cameron had died.
“He said he would never fight again,” one pal said in evidence.
Neuropathologist Daniel Duplessus said the cause of death was a blunt force head injury.
Alcohol was also a contributory factor.
He believed Mr Cameron could have suffered a cardiac arrest as a result of two successive blows to the head.
The hearing continues.