A trial has revealed that a grandfather assisted his alleged assailant to stand up before being attacked and fatally injured. The incident occurred following Nathan Gothard’s inappropriate behavior at a Leicestershire village pub, where he made lewd remarks to women. After being escorted out of the Crown Inn in Appleby Magna for his behavior, Gothard instigated a confrontation, leading to a physical altercation that resulted in the death of David Darke.

According to Prosecutor Peter Joyce KC at Leicester Crown Court, on the evening of December 21, a group of individuals from a Christmas party at the Best Western in Appleby Magna visited the pub. Gothard, already present at the pub, exhibited aggressive behavior towards female party members, creating a tense atmosphere.

Despite attempts by the pub staff to de-escalate the situation and send Gothard home, he engaged in a fight with another individual from Mr. Darke’s group. After being knocked down in the confrontation, Gothard was helped up by Mr. Darke but retaliated by striking him with a fatal blow, causing Mr. Darke to fall and sustain a fatal head injury.

Gothard, residing in Church Street, Appleby Magna, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and manslaughter. The trial is ongoing and is anticipated to last for seven days.