A TEENAGE rugby player who is accused of killing a golfer following a late night town centre assault has appeared in court.
Morgan Wainewright, 19, of Mid Summer Way, Monmouth, was originally charged with wounding Andrew Nicholas, 43, in the town’s high street in the early hours of Sunday, June 26.
But following the Poole man’s death in hospital four days after being found in the road outside Monmouth’s Halifax Building Society, police changed the charge to manslaughter.
The defendant had been due to enter a plea at Cardiff Crown Court last Wednesday (September 28), but the case was adjourned to November 10 owing to him being unrepresented due to the ongoing strike over legal fees.
A provisional three-week trial date was also set for January, and Wainewright was remanded in custody.
Emergency services were called to Monnow Street around 1.15am on June 26, where Mr Nicholas was found unresponsive before being taken to hospital.
He had been staying in the town on a golfing trip with friends from Poole.
Two other men were arrested following the incident – a 19-year-old who was later released on conditional bail, and a 21-year-old who was released without charge.
A statement released by Gwent Police on behalf of Mr Nicholas’ family after his death said they were “heartbroken” over his loss.
“He was an amazing, wonderful, and loving son, brother, and uncle to his three nieces who adored him,” they said.
“He was a well-known and respected sportsman through semi-professional football and with his big passion, golf.
“His passing has devastated the local golf community and his golf club where he was a key member, champion, and friend to so many.
“He was heavily involved with the club and ran charity and support events through covid to support the NHS.Club members describe him as a legend and absolute gentleman.
“The hole that has been left in the lives of so many is one that will never be filled, and the pain caused will be with us for the rest of our lives. His loss will never be forgotten.
“The kind words of love and support we as a family have received has been incredible.”