CCTV show brazen killer calmly returning home after punching pensioner in fatal pub attack

Nathan Gothard, 37, was caught on CCTV calmly returning home minutes after punching grandfather David Darke, 66, outside a Leicester pub — a blow that would prove fatal six days later

CCTV footage shows a shameless thug nonchalantly heading home just minutes after landing a punch on a grandfather who would later succumb to his injuries.

Nathan Gothard, 37, is captured on camera returning to his residence after assaulting David Darke, 66, outside a pub. Mr Darke, a grandfather of three, fell and suffered a severe head injury. Despite being rushed to hospital, the dedicated family man passed away six days later, reports the Mirror.

Yesterday, Gothard was convicted of manslaughter at Leicester Crown Court and will receive his sentence later this month. Following the jury’s verdict, police released video footage of Gothard strolling back to his home, located a short distance from the pub. They also shared footage of Gothard’s arrest on suspicion of murder, initially under suspicion of Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).

After Mr Darke’s death, Gothard was found guilty of manslaughter. The bodycam footage of the arrest, following the victim’s death on 27 December 2025, shows Gothard cooperating with officers at his home in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire.

Father-of-three Mr Darke never regained consciousness after being punched on Sunday, 21 December 2025. The court heard how Mr Darke, a Good Samaritan, had been attempting to help Gothard back to his feet after the assailant had lost a fight outside the pub with another man. However, the violent lout then redirected his fury towards Mr Darke, launching himself at him in a fit of rage – causing Mr Darke to fall backwards and strike 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 previous statement, 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.