A NORTHWICH man will appear in court tomorrow (Thursday) charged with manslaughter over the death of a popular footballer.

Sam Houghton, 25, will appear before Chester Crown Court in connection with the death of Barnton man David Roper.

The 26-year-old, who lived at Old School Close, died at Walton Hospital on Wednesday, March 9, following an incident in a country lane in Antrobus late in the evening of Sunday, February 27.

Police were called to his parents' address in Runcorn the next day and he was taken to Warrington Hospital with head injuries before being transferred to Walton. It is under-stood he was on a life support machine for more than a week, before his family took the heartbreaking decision to turn it off.

Mr Roper, a manager of a JJB Sports store in Runcorn, was a player for Broadhurst's Sunday League outfit based at Rudheath, and his death has stunned teammates.

Secretary Edward Broadhurst said: 'It is tragic - he was a likeable, jovial lad and we were all gutted.

'We showed our respects with a minute's silence before our game last weekend.'

His funeral took place on Thursday in Halton and his parents Diane and John Roper said in a statement: 'We are devastated by the loss of our only son. man with his whole life ahead of him. David will be deeply missed by all of our family and friends.'

A spokesman for Cheshire police confirmed they were called to an address in Runcorn just after 10am on February 28 following reports of an incident that had occurred the night before in Antrobus.

Houghton, who lives at Manor Farm, Back Lane, Higher Whitley, was arrested by Cheshire police on Monday, February 28, and charged with assault on March 1. He appeared at Chester Crown Court earlier this month but the case was adjourned to await a condition check on Mr Roper.

After his death the charge was upgraded to manslaughter and he appeared before Vale Royal Magistrates Court last week where he was