Pub-goer convicted of manslaughter after fatal altercation
A man who fatally punched another following a fight outside a bar in Leicestershire has been found guilty of manslaughter.
At Leicester Crown Court, it was revealed that Nathan Gothard, 37, struck 66-year-old David Darke near The Crown Inn in Appleby Magna just days before Christmas last year. The blow caused a fracture to Darke's skull.
Gothard denied charges of murder and manslaughter but was ultimately convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter on Thursday.
Following the verdict, Gothard, who appeared in court with his head bowed, was acquitted of murder. Sentencing is scheduled for 22 May.
Details of the incident and trial
The court heard that after the initial fight, Darke assisted Gothard to his feet. However, in response, Gothard, in a state of anger, attacked Darke again, reportedly to "save his own face."
Gothard, from Church Street, Appleby Magna, claimed he feared Darke, stating that Darke had threatened to "bury me and put me in the ground."
"I have lashed out and hit him because I thought I was going to be attacked again.
I threw a single punch. A pre-emptive strike to stop being assaulted again."
He also disputed that Darke was helping him up, instead alleging that Darke had grabbed him "violently."
Darke was subsequently hospitalized and died several days later, the court was informed.
Sentencing and further updates
After the jury's decision, Judge William Harbage KC indicated that Gothard faces a "significant custodial sentence."
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