Man, 36, is charged with murder after grandfather, 66, died following assault outside pub
Nathan Gothard, 36, will appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court today over the death of David Darke, 66, who died in hospital on Saturday, six days after he was punched in Appleby Magna, Leics.
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Published: 09:10 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 09:14 GMT, 29 December 2025
A man has been charged with murder after a grandfather died following an assault outside a pub.
Nathan Gothard, 36, will appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court today over the death of David Darke, 66, who died in hospital on Saturday, six days after he was punched outside the The Crown Public House in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire.
In a statement released on Sunday, the hotel worker's family paid tribute to their loved one and said he was 'a deeply loved father to three daughters and a proud grandfather to three boys'.
They said: 'He was a much-loved brother and a dear friend. Dave will live on forever in our hearts, minds and souls.
'He was a strong, active, intelligent and kind person who was a friend to all.
'He was a devoted family man with a deep passion for life, the outdoors, nature and walking.
'His life was tragically cut short and he's now reunited with his loving, caring parents.
David Darke, pictured, died in hospital on Saturday six days after he was punched. A man has been charged with murder following the incident
Mr Darke was apparently punched outside The Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire on December 21, which is less than half a mile from his home in the village
'He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.'
A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said Mr Darke, known to his family as Dave, worked at a local hotel and was a 'very nice man'.
He lived alone in a smart bungalow in the picturesque village on the edge of the National Forest.
The neighbour said: 'It's so very sad. He was a very nice man. Everyone is very shocked.'
Sheila Carlberg wrote on Facebook: 'I worked with Dave at 3M, he was a nice friendly man who chatted to us at breaktime.
'How he got into this bother is beyond me as he was quiet and gentle. So sorry.'
Julie Davis added: 'This is so sad. I met him a few months ago and was a lovely guy.
'He was telling me about his daughters and his van he bought to go off anywhere and walk for miles and miles.'
He lived alone in a smart bungalow in the picturesque village on the edge of the National Forest
Emergency services were first called to Church Street in Appleby Magna, just before 9.45pm on Sunday, December 21.
Mr Darke died at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham on Saturday.
Leicestershire police said an investigation into Mr Darke's death – led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) – was continuing.