Juror discharged in Spy Bar case

Billy Dawson who died after being attacked near Spy Bar. Photo / Supplied

A juror in the trial of a man accused of manslaughter during a Rugby World Cup altercation outside an Auckland bar has been discharged for visiting the scene of the alleged crime.

Kit John Murray is accused of causing the death of Billy Dawson outside Spy Bar in the Viaduct Harbour.

The female juror in the High Court trial in Auckland was relieved of her duties after Justice Patrick Keane learned she had inadvertently been to the site, saying the action could affect her ability to be impartial.

Murray has said it was a split-second act of self defence which resulted in the death of Mr Dawson, not a powerful hook as is alleged.

In court today, Murray admitted he initially lied to police about using his forearm during the incident because "I was tired and I was scared".

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He said he used his arm to "fend" off Mr Dawson, who was "angry, loud and aggressive" after he got into a fight with another group of men outside the bar.

Murray said he was very remorseful, but had been trying to help Mr Dawson and vigorously denied throwing a punch.

Several witnesses had described the "distinctive, sickening thud" when Mr Dawson's head hit the ground.

When he learned Mr Dawson was unlikely to survive, he panicked during the police interview, Murray told the court.

"No I wasn't thinking straight and yes, I could have been more forward," he said.

He said he also downplayed to police racist comments Mr Dawson had made that night.

Mr Dawson, a Sky TV employee, suffered a fractured skull and died the following day in Auckland Hospital.

The prosecution was expected to begin its closing arguments this afternoon.