CUSTOMERS AT a nightclub where a Shropshire father of two died after being restrained by door staff protested about the prolonged beating he was given, a court heard today.

Darren Griffiths, 41, of Harmer Hill near Shrewsbury, died following the incident at Liquid and Diva in Raven Meadows in the town last June 29.

Daryl Brown, 33, of Severn Drive, Wellington, Telford, who was second in command on the door staff, appeared for trial at Birmingham Crown Court, where he denies manslaughter.

His trial had started yesterday but a jury was discharged after less than an hour of evidence because one juror was unable to commit themselves to being available for the duration of the case, expected to last more than a week. A new jury was sworn in today.

Mr Paul Farrer, prosecuting, told the court how Mr Griffiths arrived at the club shortly after midnight.

He said Mr Griffiths was refused entry into the club and was then grabbed and taken to the ground by three door staff.

Mr Farrer said: “Brown held Mr Griffiths onto the floor punching him to the body.

“He had been taken to a CCTV blind spot and subjected to an attack that lasted eight or nine minutes.

“Customers at the club leaving and arriving saw the attack going on and protested at the violence being used.They told the doormen to stop but were ejected themselves.”

The court heard that Mr Griffiths, who was married to Amanda and had two young daughters Ellen and Charlotte, had been at Pengwern Boat Club during Sunday afternoon drinking with friends.

Mr Farrer added: “The door staff had been warned that Mr Griffiths had been drinking and he was not to be allowed to enter the club.

“Mr Griffiths and a friend were told they were too drunk to enter. Mr Griffiths was not happy with this and he began bantering with door staff before the attack began.”

Bosses of the club said in February that the venue would be closed for the immediate future.

The trial continues.

By Andrew Morris