A JOCKEY has appeared in court charged with murdering a pensioner who was allegedly found lying unconscious on the pavement after a brawl.
Levi Williams, 26, is accused of punching 71-year-old Richard Wingrove at least twice during the horror in Newmarket, Suffolk.
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He was rushed to hospital but tragically couldn’t be saved and died ten days later on March 18.
Williams appeared at Cambridge Crown Court today charged with murder and manslaughter.
He spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address but was not asked to enter any pleas.
Williams was remanded into custody ahead of a hearing at the same court on June 27.
The court was previously told a fight involving four men had erupted outside the Wagon & Horses pub at around 3.40pm on March 8.
Williams, who was drinking in the garden, and a friend had initially been in a brawl with the victim’s son, it was said.
He allegedly threw at least one punch towards Richard before hitting him in the chest – causing the OAP to fall to the pavement and into the road.
The fall to the ground caused Richard’s fatal head injury, the court heard.
An inquest opened into Richard’s death today heard how he was found “unconscious and unresponsive laying prone on the pavement” when officers arrived.
Police had been called to the pub following reports of a disturbance.
Richard received first aid from members of the public and paramedics before he was taken to hospital.
A post mortem was carried out but the pensioner’s cause of death was recorded as “pending further investigation“.
The full inquest was adjourned pending the criminal proceedings.
Williams was initially arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm and subsequently bailed.
He was re-arrested following Richard’s death and taken in for questioning.
The apprentice jockey has ridden 12 winners from 156 rides – with his four winners for Simon Dow the most he has ridden for any trainer.
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