Family pays tribute to man who died in pub assault

David Hallatt
David Hallatt died in an assault at The Dolphin and Anchor in Chichester [Sussex Police]

The family of a man who died in an assault at a pub in West Sussex said their hearts are "broken".

David Hallatt, 57, was at The Dolphin and Anchor in West Street, Chichester, with workmates on 20 June when he was fatally assaulted by a man not known to him, police said.

Kieran Egan, 30, from Birmingham, was arrested and has been charged with murder.

A family spokesperson said Mr Hallatt, from South Yorkshire, was “forever in our broken hearts”.

Despite efforts of police and paramedics, Mr Hallatt was pronounced dead at the scene at 23:00 BST.

In a statement, his wife Sadie and two daughters, Rosie and Sally, said: “David was so violently taken from us.

“He was married for 25 years with two young daughters, aged 20 and 22.

"He lived for his family, and he loved his work as a tiler travelling the country. He played the electric guitar, and was an avid football and rock music fan.”

The Dolphin and Anchor in West Street, Chichester
Emergency services were called to The Dolphin and Anchor on Thursday [BBC]

Mr Egan has been remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing at Lewes Crown Court.

A 42-year-old man from County Durham was also arrested on suspicion of affray and has been released on conditional bail.

A third man suspected of affray has been identified. Police said efforts were ongoing to bring him into custody.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact police.

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