A MAN has been charged with the manslaughter of a 49-year-old man who was found unconscious in Charlton Park.

Ambulance crews alerted police at 6pm on Tuesday (September 11) after the discovery of a man who had been assaulted.

The white male victim, who has not yet been formally identified, was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in a critical condition.

He was declared dead at 6.45pm that night and a post-mortem examination has been held at Greenwich mortuary.

Lesley Paul Kingshott, aged 42, of Victoria Road, Charlton, will appear at Woolwich Magistrates' Court today, charged with manslaughter.

'Lovely fellow'

A drinker in the Swan pub, Charlton, who did not want to be named, says the victim - believed to have been called Tony - was regularly seen in there with his two Jack Russell dogs.

He said: "He was a lovely fellow and very polite.

"It is so sad what has happened.

"Nobody had a bad word to say about him."

Confusion about what happened

A nearby resident, who also did not want to be named, said: "We have heard so many different stories and I don't know what to believe.

"People are quite confused about what has gone on around here."

One of the victim's neighbours told News Shopper: "Shock is an understatement, I'm still in disbelief.

"He was a very quietly spoken man, he wasn't violent or aggressive. Everyone around here loved him for who he was."

Another neighbour added: "He was quiet and gentle and would always stick up for the underdog."

Detective Inspector Clive Heys, leading the investigation, said: "The victim had been in the Swan public house, near the scene of the assault, that evening.

"We believe an argument occurred inside the pub; the victim left on foot with his dogs and was assaulted within a few minutes of leaving.

"I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything.

"Did you witness an argument in the public house that night?

"Did you see the victim with his dogs in or near Charlton Park?

"Did you witness anyone approach or follow him?"

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Lewisham on 020 8721 4868; if you wish to remain anonymous please contact 0800 555 111.

  • Two other men, both aged 22, were also arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed to return to a south London police station in mid-October.