A man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing the death of a grandfather with a single punch outside a pub in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire. Nathan Gothard, 37, was found guilty of manslaughter after the incident, which resulted in the victim, David Darke, suffering fatal brain injuries.
During the trial at Leicester Crown Court, it was revealed that Darke, a father of three daughters, was knocked to the ground by Gothard following a confrontation near the Crown Inn. The court heard that Darke succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, leaving his family devastated.
Judge William Harbage KC described the attack as senseless and tragic, emphasizing that Darke’s death could have been avoided if Gothard had not acted aggressively. Prosecutors highlighted the hostile atmosphere Gothard created at the pub that evening, leading to the fatal altercation.
Gothard claimed he felt threatened by Darke, but evidence presented in court indicated that he instigated the violence. The victim’s daughters shared emotional statements in court, praising their father’s character and expressing the profound impact of his loss on their family.
In response to the sentencing, Darke’s relatives emphasized the irreplaceable void left by his death and the pain of witnessing the trial proceedings. Despite the tragedy, they highlighted Darke’s legacy of helping others through organ donation, exemplifying his selfless nature even in death.
Detective Inspector Kevin Hames commended the family for their resilience and acknowledged the devastation caused by Gothard’s actions. He expressed gratitude for the family’s strength and understanding throughout the challenging legal process.
