A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a long-time friend who died two years after he was beaten up.
Geoffrey McEwen, 39, went into a coma after he was attacked by Kieron McNally outside the Golden Lion, in Leadgate, near Consett, County Durham, in December 2006.
He died in December last year. Yesterday, McNally appeared in court accused of Mr McEwen’s murder.
McNally, 32, of Eden Avenue, Leadgate, was jailed previously for six years after he admitted causing Mr McEwen grievous bodily harm with intent.
Mr McEwen was repeatedly kicked and stamped on in December 2006. The men had earlier been drinking together.
McNally is due to be released on licence in April. He faces a potential life sentence if convicted of murder.
Magistrates in Peterlee, east Durham, yesterday adjourned the case to Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.
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