Single Punch From Pub Troublemaker Killed Pensioner

A pensioner died after being struck with a single punch while confronting a man accused of harassing women outside a pub.

Nathan Gothard, 37, knocked David Darke, 66, to the ground near the Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire, shortly before Christmas last year. The fall caused catastrophic head injuries, including a fractured skull.

Earlier this month, Gothard was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter and has now been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

During the trial, jurors heard that Gothard became enraged after losing a fight outside the pub.

In a statement following the sentencing, Mr Darke's family said: "Although the sentence brings some accountability, nothing can truly make up for what we have lost.

"Dave's only 'crime' that night was standing up to a thug who was harassing women and provoking members of the group."

Prosecutors told the court the atmosphere inside the Crown Inn on December 21 had become intimidating because of Gothard's behaviour.

He allegedly made unwanted comments and advances towards women attending a staff Christmas party with Mr Darke and acted as though "it was his pub", the jury heard.

After being escorted outside by the landlady and her partner, Gothard became involved in a fight with another man he had reportedly been antagonising throughout the evening.

Following the altercation, Mr Darke — described as a skilled engineer — helped Gothard back to his feet before being punched moments later.

Sentencing at Leicester Crown Court, Judge William Harbage KC described Mr Darke as a "much-loved" father of three and said his death had devastated his family.

Addressing Gothard, the judge said: "You struck him with such force that he lost consciousness before he hit the ground. Although the visible injury was minor, the consequences were fatal brain injuries.

"This was a tragic, senseless and entirely unnecessary act of violence."

The Johnson Partnership, Nottingham