Man who died six days after punch outside pub had ‘deep passion for life’

A man who died from a head injury six days after being punched outside a village pub was a ‘friend to all’, his family has said.

David Darke, known to those who knew him as Dave, was assaulted beside The Crown Inn on Church Street in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire, on December 21.

The 66-year-old suffered a serious head injury and was being treated in Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.

Leicestershire Police initially arrested Nathan Gothard, 36, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

He was re-arrested on suspicion of murder when Mr Darke died on December 27, six days after the assault, and has since been charged.

Gothard is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court later today.

In a statement released this afternoon, Mr Darke’s family said he was a ‘deeply loved father to three daughters and a proud grandfather to three boys’.

He was described as a ‘strong, active, intelligent and kind person who was a friend to all’, and a ‘devoted family man with a deep passion for life, the outdoors, nature and walking’.

The statement added: ‘His life was tragically cut short and he’s now reunited with his loving, caring parents.

‘He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.’

The 36-year-old remains in custody.

Det Insp Kevin Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operation Murder Investigation Team, said: ‘The initial investigation resulted in us identifying several witnesses and examining CCTV from the area.

‘Those enquiries will continue and the suspect will be re-interviewed by detectives.

‘It is an extremely difficult time for Mr Darke’s family and specialist officers are supporting them.

‘We would still encourage anyone who was in the Church Street last Sunday evening and hasn’t yet spoken with officers to get in touch.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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