A 53-year-old has appeared in court accused of manslaughter after a man was found injured outside a pub in Malvern.
David Butler, of Bawdsey Avenue, Malvern, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court today (Tuesday) charged with manslaughter following the death of Robert Chadney.
We have previously reported how Butler is accused of unlawfully killing 65-year-old Mr Chadney between December 30 and January 4 this year.
Butler spoke at the hearing only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and bail conditions.
No plea was entered to the single charge and, because of the gravity of the alleged offence, the defendant was told it could only be dealt with by crown court.
ACCUSED: David Butler stands accused of the manslaughter of Robert Chadney in Malvern (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Chadney died in hospital after being discovered outside the Beauchamp Arms, Worcester Road, Malvern.
A passing ambulance crew spotted him and stopped to help at 10pm on December 31, 2023.
Ambulance crews gave the injured man advanced life support at the scene before taking him to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment, where he later died from his injuries.
Members of Mr Chadney's family and police officers were in court during the administrative hearing in court one.
SCENE: A police car at the scene of the incident outside the Beauchamp Arms in Malvern (Newsquest)
Amrik Singh, prosecuting, said: "Before I begin my submissions to the court, I would like to make the court aware that the family of the victim in this case, Mr Robert Chadney, who unfortunately has been killed as a result of this incident, sit behind me in the court.
"I say that because I want it to be very clear they're going to be involved in this process throughout and will be attending most court hearings. This is a matter that can only be dealt with in the crown court."
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Butler who wore a grey suit and, outside court, a white hat will next appear at Worcester Crown Court on August 27 at 10am.
His bail conditions are: not to be in any licensed premises that sells alcohol for immediate consumption such as pubs, bar and nightclubs nationwide; not to be under the influence of alcohol in a public place; to sign on at Worcester Police Station between 2pm and 4pm on Mondays and Fridays; that he surrender his passport (which he has already done); not to contact or interfere with any named prosecution witnesses.
No application was made by Butler's advocate to vary any bail conditions.
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