Inquest rules no charges will be laid over fatal fight

AN INQUEST has determined charges will not be laid over the death of Coffs Harbour man Scott Snodgrass, who died after a fight in the city centre last year.

An inquest into the death of Scott Snodgrass has ruled charges will not be laid over the fight that claimed his life. . Picture: Trevor Veale

AN INQUEST has determined charges will not be laid over the death of Coffs Harbour man Scott Snodgrass, who suffered fatal injuries during a fight in the city centre last year.

The case was heard in the NSW Coroner's Court in Coffs Harbour.

Mr Snodgrass died due to injuries suffered in an altercation with a 21-year-old man near the Moonee St taxi rank on May 18, 2013. 

After hearing evidence into the circumstances surrounding the death of the 34-year-old, Magistrate Jeff Linden ruled against referring the case to the Department of Public Prosecutions finding based on the evidence there was not a reasonable chance of a conviction.

The man, who was involved in the altercation appeared and gave evidence at the hearing.

After the death of the father-of-four, detectives questioned the 21-year-old, but he was not charged telling police he acted in self defence.

The Coroner ruled Mr Snodgrass' death was caused by severe head injuries which were suffered when his head hit the concrete footpath after he was struck to the face by a single punch.

Scott Snodgrass.

Rushed to hospital he was airlifted to Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital, but never regained consciousness and died two days later.  

"I find that the deceased Scott John Snodgrass died at about 5.30pm on 20 May, 2013 at Newcastle as a result of head injuries sustained when after being struck in the face during an altercation his head struck the pavement," Magistrate Linden ruled.

Mr Snodgrass' mother Judy said the family was devastated by the decision.

"A man's life is not worth very much as far as we can see."

It was found Mr Snograss was heavily intoxicated on the night he died.

Medical tests showed he had a blood alcohol level of 0.234 when he was hospitalised. 

Police are investigating possible liquor licensing breaches at licensed premises where Mr Snodgrass had earlier been drinking.