Former boxing champion Georgie Smith could face a murder charge after a 72-year-old man he beat up died.

John Wilmott, who suffered from Alzheimers, never recovered from the beating he received eight months ago and died in hospital on Saturday.

Smith, 30, from Goldings Crescent, Vange, was found guilty by a jury at Southend Crown Court last month of causing Mr Wilmott grievous bodily harm with intent and was jailed for six years.

The former welterweight boxing champion, who once held the IBO Intercontinental Welterweight title, may now face further charges if it is found his victim died as a result of the injuries inflicted by him.

The violent attack, which took place outside the Barge pub in High Road, Vange, left Mr Wilmott blinded in the right eye.

Any decision to bring new charges against Smith would be taken by the Crown Prosecution Service following the findings of a post mortem and inquest.

A spokesman for the CPS said under the Law Reform (Year and a Day) Amendment Act 1996, a person could be re-indicted for a more serious charge, dependent on a coroner's report.

Published Thursday December 27, 2001