Man's Pub Punch Trial: Self-Defense or Fatal Error?

0:00On April 30th, a 37-year-old man named Nathan Gothard is on trial for murder after punching a 66-year-old grandfather, David Dark, outside of Pove and Applebee Magna, Leicestershire. The single blow on December 21st fractured Dark Skull and caused bleeding on the brain. He died in hospital six days later on December 27th. Gothard admits throwing the punch, but denies murder or manslaughter charges. Darns boiled over inside, the crown in that evening. Gothard had been drinking pint since 4pm and claims a group from a nearby hotel go to him after he offered to buy drinks. The atmosphere turned argumentative, with him making women uncomfortable, leading the landlady to ask him to leave. He waited outside until the group emerged. Dark was a beloved father of three daughters and proud grandfather to three grandsons, according to his family. This is, say, Gothard got knocked down and kicked first by another man from the group, Ty Fern.

1:00Prosecutors argue Gothard then lashed out in revenge to save face after losing that scrap. In court this week, Gothard testified he struck preemptively, fearing Dark was about to attack him again. He heard Dark's head hit the ground and knew it was bad, but says he never meant serious harm. Just wanted the threat gone. The trial at Leicester Crown Court rolls on, with jurors weighing self-defense against the fatal punch, born from pub drama.