Man is charged over 2002 assault

A man has been charged with manslaughter almost two years after a man was assaulted in Gateshead.

It follows an incident on 22 August 2002 when Charles Ratcliffe, 39, was assaulted on playing fields at Bill Quay park.

Following the assault, Mr Ratcliffe developed epilepsy and died on 11 February this year of an epileptic fit.

Keith Stephenson, 20, of Whinbrooke, will appear before Gateshead Magistrates' Court on 23 August.