Tributes paid to ‘devoted family man’ who died days after being punched outside village pub
Tributes have been paid to a “selfless” grandfather who died days after being punched outside a village pub in Leicestershire.
David Darke, 66, suffered serious head injuries following the attack outside the Crown Inn in Appleby Magna on Sunday evening (December 21).
The grandfather of three died at the Queen’s Medical Center in Nottingham on Saturday, almost a week later, Leicestershire Police said.
Mr Darke’s family said in a statement: “Dave was a much-loved father of three daughters and a proud grandfather of three boys.
“He was a much-loved brother and dear friend. Dave will live on in our hearts, minds and souls forever.
“He was a strong, active, intelligent and kind person, a friend to all. He was a devoted family man with a deep passion for life, nature, outdoors and hiking.
“His life was cut tragically short and he is now reunited with his loving, caring parents. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.”
A 36-year-old man, who was initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and released on bail pending further investigation, has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Senior investigating officer detective inspector Kevin Hames said: “The initial investigation resulted in us identifying many witnesses and reviewing CCTV from the area.
“These investigations will continue and the suspect will be re-interviewed by detectives.
“This is an extremely difficult time for Mr Darke’s family and specialist officers to support them. However, we would encourage anyone who was in Church Street last Sunday evening and has not yet spoken to officers to get in touch.
“We need to speak to as many people as possible who can help us piece together what happened that evening.”
You can get information by visiting this website or by calling 101 and quoting reference 25*744889.
