Ian Mark Smith murder: five charged over killing

Former soldier Ian Mark Smith served in the Army for four years

A fifth man has been charged with the murder of a former soldier from South Elmsall.

Ian Mark Smith, 22, died as a result of head injuries after an assault in Barnsley Road in South Elmsall in the early hours of Saturday.

Four men accused of killing Mr Smith were remanded in custody by Pontefract magistrates on Tuesday and are due to appear at Leeds Crown Court next week.

Another man charged on Wednesday is due before magistrates later.

Mr Smith served with the Royal Engineers from 2005 to 2009, West Yorkshire Police said.

The men charged with his murder are Liam Ackroyd, 21, of Bell Lane, Ackwith; Bradley Jake Parkin, 21, of Mallard Mews, South Elmsall; Neil Brown, 18, also of Mallard Mews, South Elmsall and John Dean Richardson, 43, of Fitzwilliam.

John Simon Richardson, 22, of South Elmsall, was due to appear at Pontefract Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.