A father who died when he was attacked outside a town centre fast food restaurant suffered a fatal brain injury, an inquest heard.

Wayne Chester was knocked unconscious when he was punched to the left side of his face outside McDonald’s in Week Street, Maidstone, on September 29.

Ian Wade, assistant coroner, heard the 50-year-old had been drinking with friends and watching a band at the Duke of Marlborough pub in Union Street before heading to the Week Street restaurant, just after 10pm on Friday, September 29.

During an inquest opening held at Archbishop’s Palace, Mr Wade heard Mr Chester, a father-of-three and a friend, had to walk through a group of youths to get to the entrance.

Richard Smith, coroner’s officer, said: “They left at 10.30pm and passed the same group of youths. Words were said and Mr Chester tried to ignore it but turned around to reply to the group.”

Mr Chester, a credit controller who lived in Boxley Road, was punched and fell to the floor unconscious.

Mr Smith added: “Mr Chester had a faint pulse and was put on his side. The pulse reduced and became non-existent.

“He was still breathing and CPR was carried out as paramedics arrived. The faint pulse returned after 45 minutes and he was taken to King’s College Hospital.”

Despite the best efforts of paramedics Mr Chester’s life support was switched off at 7.20am on Saturday, September 30.

During a post-mortem examination, the cause of Mr Chester’s death was given as hypoxic brain injury with a secondary cause of blunt force trauma to the head.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with Mr Chester’s murder, which he denies. He will stand trial at Maidstone Crown Court on April 9.

Mr Chester’s inquest was adjourned and will reopen when a date has been set by the coroner.

His family described him as an “amazing dad” and "huge character" and called him their “very own Mr Brightside”.