Bottle which led to the death of former Chesterfield soldier and Sheffield United fan smashed when it connected with his face

The bottle which led to the death of a former soldier from Chesterfield smashed when it impacted with his face, a court heard.
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Giving evidence in the murder trial of Connor Rose at Derby Crown Court on Friday, January 22, bouncers who witnessed the incident gave evidence to the jury about events leading up to the “bottling” of Joseph Robotham.

The 23-year-old had got into a fight with another man inside the Vibe Bar in Holywell Street in the early hours of Saturday, February 8 last year, and was ejected by door staff, the court heard.

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One bouncer, identified in court as Thomas Wickstone described how Mr Robotham, 23, of Sheffield Road, Old Whittington, landed one punch on another man during the altercation before he was ejected.

Joseph Robotham died when he was hit with a bottle in FebruaryJoseph Robotham died when he was hit with a bottle in February
Joseph Robotham died when he was hit with a bottle in February
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He told the court: “I saw one punch connect from Mr Robotham and the other man was swinging his arms but didn’t connect. They appeared to be committed to that fight.

“He didn’t want to go out and he was trying to get back inside the club. We got him out of the door and followed him onto Holywell Street.”

He agreed that the whole incident had been “fast, chaotic and unexpected.”

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Another bouncer, Lewis McHugh, told the court that he had been working at another venue in Chesterfield, but had gone to Vibe for a drink when he finished.

He said that after Mr Robotham was hit by the bottle, he later collected it and took it back into the club.

“Connor came from my left and hit him with the bottle,” he said. “I heard a smash and he stood there for a minute and then ran off and was chased by some other men. I shouted that someone had been bottled.

“I called 999. The bottle was partially broken - the neck was intact and the label was holding all the pieces together. I put it in a bag and it was placed behind the counter in the foyer.”

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Following the attack, Mr Robotham fell to the ground and cracked his head on the floor, causing fatal injuries. He died in hospital in Sheffield the following day.

Rose, of no fixed address, denies murder but has admitted manslaughter.

The trial continues.

Editor’s message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.