Nathan Gothard Convicted of Manslaughter in Appleby Magna Pub Death
Leicester Crown Court has convicted Nathan Gothard of manslaughter following the death of David Darke, 66, outside The Crown Inn in Appleby Magna. Gothard, 37, delivered a fatal punch that knocked Mr Darke to the ground, resulting in a skull fracture. Mr Darke died a few days later.
Gothard, who denied both murder and manslaughter, was acquitted of the more serious charge. He is scheduled for sentencing on 22 May, where Judge William Harbage KC indicated a "significant custodial sentence" would be imposed.
The court heard that Gothard’s behaviour in the pub on the night of the incident was described as "menacing, threatening, argumentative and disputing." Prosecutor Peter Joyce KC detailed how Gothard made unwelcome advances to female members of a Christmas party group and asserted ownership over what he called "his terrain – they were in his pub."
Despite efforts by the landlady and her partner to escort Gothard, who lived nearby, away from the premises to "calm the situation down," he became involved in an altercation. After being knocked to the ground and kicked by another man, Ty Fern, Gothard then attacked Mr Darke. Evidence presented during the trial suggested Mr Darke had initially helped Gothard to his feet after the first fight.
Gothard claimed he was "dazed and confused" after being punched by Fern and alleged Mr Darke grabbed him "violently," threatening to "bury me and put me in the ground." He stated he threw a "single punch. A pre-emptive strike to stop being assaulted again."
