Pub singer died after assault at boozer ‘opening day’ as man charged with homicide
Tributes have been paid to a “much loved” pub singer who died after an assault at a boozer’s “grand opening day.”
Robert Hiscoe was a regular performer at The Butterbowl pub in Farnley, Leeds which was celebrating new management over the Bank Holiday weekend. But tragedy struck when the 37-year-old was seriously injured after a fight broke out in the early hours of Sunday, May 5.
The “devoted” father and avid Leeds United fan was taken to hospital where he later died. Nathaniel Philip, 35 of no fixed abode was charged with murder and appeared in court today. He was remanded in custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday, May 9.
![Robert Hiscoe died in hospital after the attack](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article32758078.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Facebook.jpg)
(Image: Facebook)
Meanwhile, scores of tributes have flooded in for Robert who was also a painter and decorator. The Butterbowl pub posted on Facebook: “Such a sad loss, a legend in his own right. RIP Rob you will be missed, our thoughts go out to all family and friends.”
Days earlier, the pub had announced several events to celebrate their “grand opening” under new management, and Rob had even shared a post urging people to get behind a charity fundraising event there.
Punters described him as a “local hero” who was “loved by all,” and even performed Facebook Live concerts during lockdown raising over £16,000 for the NHS and local charities.
Posting on the New Farnley Cricket Club Facebook page, Noel Bullock said he was “devastated” adding: “Rob was a local hero and very popular character around New Farnley and the wider Leeds community, fondly remembered during lockdown for entertaining everyone ‘Vera Lynn’ style with his nightly singing shows that lasted well into the early hours of the morning until the bottle of gin was no more, raising thousands of pounds for the NHS.
“Rob sung many times at the club, brightening up parties and celebrations with his wonderful voice making the events special and memorable, he also brightened up many living and dining rooms, hallway, stairs, landings, bedrooms and kitchens with his wonderful decorating skills.”
![Robert was described as a 'local legend'](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article32758094.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Facebook.jpg)
(Image: Facebook)
Pal, Paul Wilson said: “I don’t know where to begin, a talented singer, a great friend, a wonderful father, a devoted husband and one of the most loyal Leeds United fans I’ve ever met, not to mention an incredible drinking partner… Not many people I know will ever be loved so thoroughly as you, light up any room with your charming ways and never put anyone down, for anything.
“Thank you for bringing so much happiness and joy to so many people during lockdown and raising a shedload of money, ironically for the NHS. Nobody i know would ever have done that, give up night after night, week after week, of your time to keep people in good spirits, you should be knighted, not gone.”
While Paul Thompson said: “I can’t believe it. I am in absolute shock. What a lovely man, heart of gold, great singer. Robert will be missed and will never be forgotten.”
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Detectives investigating a serious assault at a pub on Butterbowl Drive, Leeds on May 5 have charged a man with murder.
“Nathaniel Philip, 35 of no fixed abode has been charged with murder after the assault in the early hours of Sunday morning.”
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