Tributes have been paid to a “wonderful son and brother” who died following a serious assault in Newton Aycliffe last month.
Craig Gill sustained serious injuries following the incident at Blake’s Bar, in Newton Aycliffe, on the evening of Saturday, July 8.
The 61-year-old was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, but tragically died as a result of his injuries five days later.
His family paid tribute to him, saying: “The whole family is devastated at the loss of our wonderful son and brother.
“Craig was a quiet, gentle man who was much loved by his family. He was extremely popular in the local community, and his death has left an enormous hole in our lives.”
Richard Smith Slater, of Bury Road, Newton Aycliffe, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday (August 9) charged with murder.
The 33-year-old denied the offence and was remanded in custody ahead of his trial at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday, January 2.
