A man described as “happy-go-lucky” was punched and hit his head when he fell to the floor, a court has heard.

Wayne Sheppard was involved in an altercation around New Park Street in Devizes on July 2.

He was rushed to hospital and died of his injuries six days later.

Now, the man accused of causing his injuries has appeared in court.

Darren Fell has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with the incident, but prosecutors need more time to consider whether this is the right charge, Winchester Crown Court heard on Friday (August 12).

James Kellam, prosecuting, said that a post-mortem had been carried out but further examinations were required before a decision over whether to charge murder or manslaughter can be made.

Judge Jane Miller QC told Mr Kellam that a “rapid” charging decision should be made.

Fell, who appeared in the courtroom via video link from Winchester prison wearing a blue t-shirt, did not have a barrister because of the ongoing strike.

Criminal barristers are currently not accepting new cases except in certain circumstances, and are striking on every other week.

The case was adjourned until September 9.

Addressing Fell, Judge Miller said: “I’m sorry we can’t take this any further today.

“By the 9th September, that is the date at the very latest to which the prosecution must decide if you will face homicide charges.”

The 39-year-old was remanded into custody. He has not entered a plea.

The incident took place near Fell’s address of Hewitt Court, on New Park Street, on the evening of Saturday, July 2.

Mr Sheppard “passed away peacefully” at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital on July 8, his family said in a statement.

Paying tribute, they added: “He was such a lovely son and father and always a happy-go-lucky bloke.

“He always helped out other people and he will be missed by all.”

The case was declared a murder investigation by police following Mr Sheppard’s death in hospital.

Speaking at the time, Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker acknowledge that it would “no doubt cause concern amongst the tight knit community within Devizes”.

“Please be reassured that there is no wider risk to the public and we are conducting extremely thorough enquiries as part of our investigation.

“We would like to renew our appeal for witnesses to the incident – did you see or hear anything suspicious in the area of Hewitt Court, New Park Street, on Saturday evening?

“Do you have dash cam, CCTV or doorbell footage which could be relevant to our investigation?”