Man died after being punched in row with friend at Tyrella Beach

Joseph Dorian, 22, claimed he acted in self-defence during a confrontation about Darren O’Neill’s driving.

Mr O’Neill, who was also 22 and from Belfast, died two days after the incident at Tyrella Beach on June 27.

Dorian, of Lakeview in Crumlin, Co Antrim, is accused of his unlawful killing.

During a bail application the court heard the pair had gone to the seaside with two girls in a car belong to the defendant’s family.

Emergency services were called following a report that Mr O’Neill was unconscious at the scene.

According to the prosecution Dorian alleged he only delivered a single punch after the deceased struck first and then told him to hit back.

The girls with them said the two men squared up after Mr O’Neill got into the vehicle and performed handbrake turns around the car park area.

One of them claimed he stumbled and fell to the ground before getting up again quickly.

“This witness said he seemed fine, the two males were talking about their close friendship and hugging, but then Mr O’Neill collapsed and was unresponsive,” a Crown lawyer submitted.

Mr Justice McAlinden was told toxicology tests showed the deceased and taken alcohol and potentially Pregabalin medication.

Defence barrister Martin Morgan said: “It goes without saying this is a sad and tragic case.”

Granting bail to Dorian on conditions including a curfew and exclusion zone, the judge urged him to “keep his nose clean” from now on.