A MAN charged with the murder of a dad-of-one after a pub assault has appeared in court.

Derek Bentham, of Smithwood Avenue, Hindley, was in the dock at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court this morning, Thursday, after being accused of killing 45-year-old Lee Christy.

In a short hearing, the 46-year-old defendant was asked by the bench to confirm his name, age and nationality before he was told the case would be dealt with at Manchester Crown Court on Monday, September 24 at 9.30am.

Addressing Bentham, chair of the bench Susan Sutcliffe said: "We cannot give you bail due to the murder charge."

The defendant was represented in court by solicitor Peter Moran.

Mr Christy died after being assaulted at The Bear's Paw pub on Market Street in Hindley on Saturday at around 10.55pm.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died three days later on Tuesday.