The fiancée of a man who choked to death on his own vomit after being hit on the head in a fight at a Banbury bed and breakfast wept as she gave evidence at an inquest this morning.

Kevin Lavelle, a crane driver from Netherton, Liverpool, was pronounced dead at the Horton Hospital in Banbury on June 25, 2004, after an altercation at the Cricketer’s Arms the night before.

Michelle Lavelle, who took her fiancé’s name after his death, told Oxford Coroner’s Court she had spoken to him six times on the day before she died and had no reason to expect trouble.

Marc Kirk, who was staying at the bed and breakfast with Mr Lavelle said he came back from the bathroom to find Kevin embroiled in a fight with two or three men.

He said: “They were hitting him. I got hold of one of them and pulled him off and started fighting with them. We broke free and Kevin managed to get up.”

But the fight resumed after Mr Kirk threatened the group, ending with Mr Lavelle lying on the floor unconscious.

Mr Kirk said: “There was a bit of sick in his mouth and his lips were blue.”

The inquest continues.