Innocent grandfather killed by one-punch thug he was trying to help up off the ground after HE had been hit first for harassing women in bar, court hears

By CLAIRE DUFFIN, SENIOR REPORTER Published: 13:13, 28 April 2026 | Updated: 13:25, 28 April 2026 A pub-goer who lost a fight outside a village pub punched and killed  punched a 66-year-old man, who had helped him to his feet, so hard that he killed him in rage, a murder trial has heard.  David Darke, 66, fell to the ground, hitting his head, and died in hospital days after he was punched by Nathan Gothard, 37.  Leicester Crown Court heard Mr Darke was with colleagues from a Best Western hotel for a Christmas party when he was attacked outside The Crown Inn in the village of Appleby Magna, Leicestershire just days before Christmas last year. Jurors were told Gothard, who is on trial accused of murder, had already been escorted out of the pub after behaving 'inapropriatly and making unwanted advances and remarks' to women in the group, the court heard.  But instead of returning to his home yards from the pub he waited outside for the group before picking a fight with one of the men - Ty Fern.  The court heard he lost the fight and was knocked down and kicked in the face by Mr Fern. Mr Darke then 'picked him up and helped him to his feet' but Gothard 'carried on'.  David Darke, 66, died in hospital on December 27 after he was punched outside The Crown Inn His family said he was a deeply loved father to three daughters and a proud grandfather to three boys in a statement released after his death Mr Darke was punched outside The Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, Leices. on December 21 Opening the case on Tuesday, Peter Joyce KC, prosecuting, said having lost the fight Gothard 'wanted revenge'. 'Having lost face he wanted it back - he attacked David Darke.  'And he punched him so hard that he was knocked straight to the ground. 'David Darke was a man of 66 and he hit his head on the ground and he was taken to hospital and a few days later he died.' Jurors were told Gothard, who lived opposite the pub, had been in there since 4pm on December 21. Later that night the hotel workers from Best Western arrived. Mr Joyce said that as well as making inappropriate comments to the women Gothard told the group it was 'his terrain' and made it clear 'they were in his pub'. He said the 'atmosphere' in the pub thanks to his behaviour was 'becoming menacing, threatening and argumentative'. CCTV footage shows Mr Darke 'waving his finger' in the direction of Gothard.   Jurors were told the landlady and her partner then tried to calm the situation down and 'do their best to prevent trouble'.  He partner 'after much effort' succeeded in escorting Gothard out of the back door of the bar. 'That was with a view to getting him to go home,' Mr Joyce said. 'But he wouldn't go home. He went all the way up the side of the pub and he stayed there for some time. 'The other group, the party, had come out of the front door of the pub and were gathering to go home. 'He went there to continue his argument with those who had been at the party. In simple terms he went to look for them.' Mr Joyce said despite the best efforts of the landlady and her partner to get the defendant to go the 'very short distance to go home' he became involved in a fight with Mr Fern. 'He had been riling, irritating and niggling and wanted a fight with him and took his glasses off before the fight,' Mr Joyce said. 'He had a fight with Ty Fern. The fight he had with Ty Fern he lost - he picked it and he lost it. He was knocked down and he was kicked and he was injured in the face 'He could have gone home then,' Mr Joyce added. He said Mr Darke then picked him up and helped him to his feet but he carried on Mr Joyce said: 'The defendant in his rage after losing the fight that he had picked with Ty Fearn, he attacked Mr Darke to save his own face. And he hit him so hard that he killed him.' CCTV from outside of the pub shows Gothard being knocked to the ground and kicked. Mr Darke then reaches down and appears to pull him up by his arm.  Moments later, in an area not caught on CCTV he was punched. He can then been seen lying unconscious on the floor.  Mr Joyce said Gothard was then seen 'bouncing away' through the car park.   Mr Darke died in hospital on December 27 having suffered a serious head injury. Following his arrest, Gothard gave a prepared statement to police in which he claimed to have been threatened by Mr Drake. Mr Joyce said it was a 'dishonest' account. 'One thing it is not is self defence, he said. In a statement released through police after his death, 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, in a black shirt and tie, denies murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter. The trial, due to last seven days, continues. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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