Soldier dies after nightclub attack
A murder investigation is under way after a Welsh soldier attacked outside a city centre nightclub died.
Staff Sergeant Chris Chacksfield, who served with 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), was with his wife when he was attacked in Newcastle.
The assault happened outside the Babylon 90 bar on Newgate Street at around 12.50am on May 31. The 31-year-old soldier, from Haverfordwest in Wales, was taken to Newcastle General Hospital but died from head injuries.
His wife, 32, was also treated in hospital but was released after receiving treatment.
Police said the soldier's death is being treated as a murder investigation and a post-mortem examination will be carried out.
Superintendent Gillian Mitchell, of Newcastle Area Command, said: "Our sympathies are with the victim's family at what must be a terrible time for them.
"A team of detectives is working on this case and a man has been charged.
"The neighbourhood policing team is working to reassure people in the city centre that everything is being done to thoroughly investigate this incident.
"If anyone does have any concerns they should get in touch with their local officers to discuss them."
A 22-year-old man has been remanded in custody after appearing before the city's magistrates' court charged with one charge of grievous bodily harm with intent and one offence of wounding, in connection with the incident. A 23-year-old man who was arrested has been released with no further police action.
