A MAN accused of causing life-threatening injuries to another could face more serious charges after his alleged victim died in hospital.
Victim Andrew Chapman, 42, passed away on Sunday night, four days after an attack in Cheltenham town centre left him in a critical condition.
He was taken to Frenchay Hospital following an assault at around 8.20pm on Wednesday. Detectives are now appealing for information about the incident.
While doctors continued their battle to save Mr Chapman, his alleged attacker, Robert Jon Allen, appeared in court accused of causing grievous bodily harm.
He entered no plea at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning and has been remanded in custody until a hearing at Gloucester Crown Court on August 1.
The 36-year-old, who lives in Overton Road, Lansdown, was one of two men arrested in connection with the assault.
The second man was released without charge.
Mr Chapman was admitted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Police said they believe there was an altercation on the night of the incident and that the victim was punched to the ground.
A post-mortem will be carried out later this week.
Afterwards, the Crown Prosecution Service will discuss whether there's evidence to alter the defendant's GBH charge now that Mr Chapman has passed away.
An inquest has not yet been scheduled.
The incident took place near Trinity Church, which Mr Chapman regularly attended.
He participated in the churches community support groups for the vulnerable and sought advice from its members.
According to a local councillor, Mr Chapman, who was not originally from the Cheltenham area, was understood to be a "vulnerable member" of the homeless community.
Gareth Dickinson, an associate vicar at the church, said its members were "shocked" and "deeply saddened" by his death.
He said: "As a local church, our prayers have been with Andrew's family, friends and the people who knew him, of which there are a number.
"We are very grateful for all the hard work and diligence that was taken by the police during their investigations.
"In all that we do, we remain committed to serving the needs of the people in our community.
"Andrew was a regular visitor to our Kings Table and street team ministries which support vulnerable adults.
"They act as relief for people who live in the community and, although he didn't attend my group, he was a regular at the church."
Anyone who witnessed a disturbance in the area is urged to call 101, quoting incident 158 of July 11.
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
In some cases rewards of up to £1,000 are offered where information leads to a conviction.
