Murder charge after dad died following pub assault

A man has been charged with murder after a "deeply loved" dad died following an assault outside a pub in Leicestershire.

David Darke, 66, suffered a serious head injury when he was punched outside The Crown Inn, in Church Street, Appleby Magna, at about 21:45 GMT on 21 December.

He died at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham on Saturday.

Nathan Gothard, 36, of Church Street, Appleby Magna, was remanded into custody at Leicester Magistrates' Court and is due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday.

In a statement, Mr Darke's family said his life had been "tragically cut short" and he would be "sorely missed by all who knew and loved him".

They added: "Dave was a deeply loved father to three daughters and a proud grandfather to three boys.

"He was a much-loved brother and a dear friend. Dave will live on forever in our hearts, minds and souls."

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