A 35-year-old man has been charged with the murder of James Blanch, a 41-year-old father of two, who died after an assault outside a bar in Bournemouth over the Easter weekend.
Rico Wilson, a British national from Bournemouth, appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he sobbed throughout the five-minute hearing. He is due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday.
Emergency services were called to MyBar in Bournemouth in the early hours of April 6, where Mr Blanch, from Christchurch, Dorset, was found injured. Despite 40 minutes of attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Jenkins said: “Following a detailed investigation, we have liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service and it has authorised a charge of murder. We have continued to keep the family of James Blanch fully updated.”
Three other men arrested on suspicion of murder have been released under investigation, while a 39-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail.
In a tribute released through police, Mr Blanch’s family described him as an “incredible father” who “lit up any room with his massive smile”. They added: “We are all utterly heartbroken and nothing will ever feel the same again.”
