A video shows an audacious individual calmly walking home shortly after assaulting a grandfather, who later succumbed to his injuries.
Nathan Gothard, aged 37, is captured on surveillance footage making his way back to his residence after attacking David Darke, aged 66, outside a pub. Darke, a grandfather of three, fell to the ground and suffered severe head trauma. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the beloved family figure passed away six days later.
Gothard was convicted of manslaughter yesterday and is set to receive sentencing later in the current month. In response to the decision by the jury at Leicester Crown Court, law enforcement released footage of Gothard heading back to his residence, which is a brief distance from the pub. Authorities also shared footage of Gothard’s apprehension on suspicion of murder. Initially, he was arrested on suspicion of Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
Subsequent to Darke’s passing, Gothard was convicted of manslaughter. A bodycam recording of the arrest, following the victim’s demise on December 27, 2025, depicts Gothard cooperating with officers at his Appleby Magna, Leicestershire residence.
Father of three, Darke never regained consciousness after being struck on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The court was informed that Darke, acting as a Good Samaritan, was attempting to assist Gothard back on his feet after Gothard had lost a physical altercation outside the pub with another individual. However, Gothard, in a fit of rage, redirected his aggression towards Darke, causing Darke to fall and strike his head on the ground.
Following the guilty verdict, Detective Inspector Kevin Hames, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Murder Investigation Team, stated: “In those critical moments, a family has been left shattered, and the offender now faces a lengthy prison term.
“Gothard’s actions that day were avoidable had he chosen to walk away. This case underscores how single-punch altercations can lead to loss of life.
“Dave’s family has shown immense strength throughout the investigation and legal proceedings; this has been an extremely challenging period for them. We trust that this outcome will assist them in coping with the events of that night and the loss of their beloved family member.”
In an earlier statement, Darke’s family expressed: “Dave was a deeply cherished father to three daughters and a proud grandfather to three grandsons.
“He was a dearly loved brother and a close friend. Dave’s memory will endure in our hearts, thoughts, and spirits. He was a resilient,
