Ethan Cockram, 20, of Durham Street, Wallsend, North Tyneside, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Friday charged with manslaughter. The charge relates to the death of Simon Beston, 55, who died after reportedly being punched in the head on St Andrew's Street in the China Town area of Newcastle city centre.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 10.30pm on July 26 last year. Mr Beston was found to have sustained head injuries and was taken to hospital, where he died on August 16, 2025.
Court appearance and bail
No pleas were entered during the hearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court. Cockram's case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court, where he will appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on September 21. He was handed conditional bail until that hearing.
Northumbria Police said a man and a woman had reportedly been in an altercation with a small group of people prior to the attack. An investigation was launched by the force's Major Investigation Team, and five people were arrested.
Further charges
In July this year, Cockram was charged with manslaughter. Shayne Cook, 20, of Winifred Gardens, Wallsend, and Lola Charlton, 20, of Fairhaven Avenue, Walker, Newcastle, were each charged with one count of affray.
Cook and Charlton have also appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court. Their cases were sent to Newcastle Crown Court, where they will appear on September 17. Both were handed unconditional bail.
Tributes to Simon Beston
Following Simon's death, his mother, brother, daughter and sister-in-law released a statement. It said: "Simon was a loving son, a devoted father, and a proud grandad. Rest in peace, knowing you are eternally loved."
Simon's partner added: "Simon had such a beautiful energy - warm, kind, and full of life. He cared so deeply for others and surrounded me with a love I’ll never forget. Rest in peace, Simon. I'll hold you in my heart always."
