A grandfather was killed by a single punch outside a Midlands pub after his work Christmas party. David Darke, 66, had been celebrating with colleagues at the Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire, on 21 December last year. Six days later, he died in hospital.
Attack outside pub
Leicester Crown Court heard that Nathan Gothard, 37, had been making unwelcome advances and remarks to women in the group. Despite being escorted off the premises, Gothard returned and became involved in a fight. Mr Darke went to help the younger man up after the altercation and was punched, suffering fatal injuries.
Sentence and family reaction
Gothard, of Church Street, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday. Mr Darke's family said: "Our family has finally seen the person responsible for Dave's death sentenced. Although the sentence shows some accountability, no sentence will ever truly reflect what has been taken from us."
They described Mr Darke as a "much-loved father, brother, grandfather, and friend" who was "strong, fit, hardworking" and lived honestly. He was an accomplished craftsman looking forward to retirement. The family noted that through organ donation, at least four people have been given a chance of life.
Senior Investigating Officer Kev Hames and his team at Leicestershire Police, the family's barrister, staff at QMC Hospital, and wider family and friends were thanked for their support. The family concluded: "Nothing will ever bring Dave back. Our family has been changed forever."
