Arabic version: إدانة زائر حانة بتهمة القتل غير العمد بعد شجار قاتل في الحانة

A pub-goer who fatally punched another man after losing a fight outside a bar in Leicestershire has been found guilty of manslaughter. The incident occurred near The Crown Inn in Appleby Magna days before Christmas last year, resulting in the death of 66-year-old David Darke.

Nathan Gothard, 37, was convicted by Leicester Crown Court after knocking Darke to the ground, causing a serious head injury that ultimately led to Darke’s death in the hospital days later. Gothard denied murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter but was found guilty of the lesser charge on Thursday. He is scheduled to be sentenced on 22 May.

During the trial, it was revealed that Gothard had been involved in an altercation prior to the fatal punch. Prosecutor Peter Joyce KC described the atmosphere in the pub as “menacing, threatening, argumentative and disputing” due to Gothard’s behavior. He had been making unwelcome advances toward female patrons from a staff Christmas party before being escorted away by the landlady and her partner.

After initially losing a fight, Gothard confronted Darke, who had helped him to his feet. In a moment of rage, Gothard struck Darke, claiming he feared for his safety. Darke was subsequently taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries days later. Following the jury’s verdict, Judge William Harbage KC indicated that Gothard could face a “significant custodial sentence.”

According to BBC News, this case highlights the serious consequences of violence in public settings.