On the first day of an inquest into his death, the sister of a man who died after he was punched on a night out in Beckenham has described him as "charismatic and loved by everyone".

Riccardo Holness, 42, was rushed to hospital after he was punched outside My Place on Beckenham High Street on October 17, 2021. 

CCTV footage showed Riccardo was involved in an altercation outside the bar prior to the punch. 

He was put on life support then died a month later on November 12. 

A man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm but was not charged with any offences as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it could only bring a prosecution when there was a “realistic prospect” of securing a conviction. 

On Tuesday (November 5, 2024) the full inquest into Riccardo’s death began at South London Coroner’s Court. 

Assistant Coroner Edmund Gritt read a pen portrait of Riccardo written by his sister, Ramona Marsh. 

Riccardo was a dad-of-one and lived in Thornton Heath. 

Ramona said: “Riccardo has always been a person who enjoyed the company of others. He enjoyed talking to people from all walks of life.” 

Riccardo was an entrepreneur and Ramona said at the time of his death he had just secured some big contracts and was looking forward to the future as his business was growing. 

Riccardo pictured with his sister RamonaRiccardo pictured with his sister Ramona (Image: Supplied) Ramona said: “Riccardo was always there for his family and friends, often giving up his time to help others.” 

During the pandemic he regularly delivered groceries to those who were housebound or elderly, she said. 

Ramona said: “He rarely went on a night out as he worked seven days a week and had his dog Rocky to look after.” 

The man who punched Riccardo will give evidence at his inquest. 

Assistant Coroner Mr Gritt told the court an inquest is a neutral fact-finding exercise. 

“An inquest is not a trial. No one will be found guilty or not guilty. No one will be found liable or not liable,” he said. 

A Met Police spokesperson previously said all evidence was presented to the CPS who decided the case should be discontinued. 

The CPS said it could only bring a prosecution when there was a "realistic prospect" of securing a conviction.  

"Our prosecutors reviewed this case with diligence and care, and concluded there was no realistic prospect of conviction on the evidence available," said a spokesperson.