his life in hospital.

Crock McGavern, 51, from Warwick, has been in the intensive care unit of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital since a scuffle with staff in Flanagan's bar on Front Street on the evening of Saturday, July 18. Last night a hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "critical''.

It is understood that Mr. McGavern was thrown out of the bar with his son by Police following an altercation with staff.

But the father of three then returned and a second scuffle developed, during which Mr. McGavern fell down a flight of stairs. Police would not confirm whether he fell down the front flight of stairs or the rear stairway.

Last night a Police spokesman said an investigation into the incident was "very much active''. It is believed a number of witnesses, including guests and bar staff, have been interviewed, although no criminal charges have been brought.

An attorney representing Flanagan's Bar would not comment on the incident yesterday, except to point out that the bar had a "non-confrontational policy'' when it came to evicting certain people.

Describing the incident as "a tragic occurrence'', lawyer Mark Pettingill said: "The staff don't want people getting injured and so they have a non-confrontational policy -- it's a family restaurant.'' HEALTH HTH