A "sea of drink" surrounded the death of Mr Charles Turner (37) in the Shankill area of Belfast last week, the Magistrates Court heard yesterday.
The claim was made by a solicitor for Mr Charles Kell (25), from Blaney Street, also in the Shankill, who is charged with his murder.
An RUC detective inspector said that when Mr Kell was charged he replied: "I regret hitting him, mate. I hope his family and all is all right."
Mr Paddy Donnelly, defending, said an autopsy report indicated that Mr Turner, whoa lived in Battenberg Street, had" died from a punch below his left ear during a drinking party in a house in Snugville Street.
"The defendant has expressed his deep sympathy to the Turner family," said Mr Donnelly. "A sea of drink envelops the entire case. Police recovered six empty vodka bottles, flagons of cider and beer from the house where Charles Turner died."
Mr Kell was remanded in custody until April 23rd.