A MAN has been charged with murder after a father-of-four died at the weekend - two months after he was assaulted.

William Jackson, 63, was originally believed to have suffered only a suspected broken nose following an incident at his County Durham home in June.

But it was revealed yesterday that Mr Jackson had suffered more serious injuries, and he died on Saturday.

Police initially charged his son-in-law, 32-year-old Mark Gladstone, with assault, but have now changed the charge to murder.

Mr Jackson, who was also known as Bill or Billy, was injured at his home in Galloway Road, Peterlee, on the morning of June 26.

When he was taken to Hartlepool General Hospital for treatment, it was discovered that he had massive internal bleeding.

He was transferred to Sunderland Royal Infirmary where he died.

Mr Gladstone, of Eden Hill estate, Peterlee, appeared before the town's magistrates yesterday charged with murder.

He was granted conditional police bail and was told to appear before Teesside Crown Court on September 4.

A spokesman for County Durham Police said yesterday: "A Peterlee man, who was the victim of a serious assault at his home two months ago, has died in hospital over the weekend.

"A 32-year-old local man, Mark Anthony Gladstone, was charged with the assault and appeared before local magistrates on June 28.

"He has now been charged with murder."