A Hook man has been charged with the manslaughter of father-of-four Mark Haley, who lay in a coma for two years before dying.

Michael Broom, 49, of Rhodrons Avenue, will appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday accused of killing Mark Haley.

Prosecutors allege an attack by Mr Broom on Mr Haley, outside Tesco in Hook Parade, near Chessington, on August 21, 2011, led to his death two years later.

Mr Haley, a 51-year-old BT engineer who lived in nearby Holmwood Road, was airlifted to hospital on that day with serious head injuries.

His son Jimmy said at the time: "Mark is a very much loved and respected man, and would genuinely be overwhelmed by the love and support being offered.

"All of your generous words will be deeply cherished and hope we can all come together and stick together in the hope Mark makes a full and successful recovery."

Mr Haley spent two years in a coma before dying at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability in Putney in August 2013, causing police to investigate manslaughter charges against Mr Broom.

Speaking through a family friend after her husband’s death, Mr Haley’s wife Jo praised the hospital for “not just how well they looked after Mark, but how well they supported the family as well”.

Until 1996 if someone died more than a year and a day after an attack their assailant could not be charged with murder or manslaughter.

But the so-called ‘year-and-a-day rule’ was repealed in 1996.