CCTV captures brazen killer calmly returning home after punching pensioner on night out

Footage captures a brazen thug calmly head home minutes after punching a grandfather who would later die of his injuries. Nathan Gothard, 37, is seen on CCTV returning to his address having just assaulted David Darke, 66, outside a pub. Mr Darke, who had three grandchildren, fell to the ground and sustained a serious head injury. Although he was taken to hospital, the devoted family man died six days later. Gothard was yesterday found guilty of manslaughter and will be sentenced later this month. Following this verdict by the jury at Leicester Crown Court, police released footage of Gothard heading home to his address, which is a short walk from the pub. Officers also shared footage of Gothard's arrest, on suspicion of murder. He was initially arrested on suspicion of Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). Following Mr Darke’s death, Gothard was convicted of manslaughter. The bodycam clip of the arrest, after the victim died on December 27, 2025, shows Gothard comply with officers at his home in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire. Dad-of-three Mr Darke never regained consciousness after he was punched on Sunday December 21, 2025. The court heard how Mr Darke, a Good Samaritan, had been trying to help Gothard back back to his feet after the killer had lost a fight outside the pub with another man. However, the violent yob then turned his anger on Mr Darke instead and flew at him in a rage — causing Mr Darke to fall back and hit his head on the ground. Speaking after the guilty verdict, Detective Inspector Kevin Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Murder Investigation Team, said: "In those fateful few moments a family have been left devastated, and the perpetrator now faces a lengthy term in prison. "Gothard's actions that day could have been avoided if he had just walked away. This case highlights how one-punch encounters can result in the loss of life. "Dave's family have shown immense courage throughout the investigation and legal process; this has been in no way easy for them. We hope this outcome now helps them to come to terms with the events of that night and the loss of their loved one." In a statement previously, Mr Darke's family said: "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. He was a strong, active, intelligent and kind person who was a friend to all. "He was a devoted family man with a deep passion for life, the outdoors, nature and walking. His life was tragically cut short and he's now reunited with his loving, caring parents. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him." Gothard will be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on May 22.