A SECOND man has appeared before Blackburn Magistrates charged in connection with the incident in which Jason “Jay Jay” Taylor died after being stabbed in the neck with a champagne glass.

Kayle Smith, 30, of Vale Street, Darwen, was charged with assaulting Mr Taylor causing him actual bodily harm.

He was sent to Preston Crown Court where he will appear tomorrow alongside Jack Costello, 44, of Victoria Street, Rishton, who has been charged with the murder of Mr Taylor.

Malcolm Isherwood, prosecuting, said Smith is alleged to have head butted Mr Taylor minutes before he was stabbed in the neck with the glass.

He sad the medical cause of death had been established as neck injury leading to blood loss.

Both incidents happened in the Esco-bar in the early hours of Sunday.

Smith was remanded in custody.

A 32-year-old man from Darwen, earlier arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released without charge.

Det Supt Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police, said: “Our thoughts continue to remain with Jay Jay’s family at this difficult time.

“I would like to thank members of the public and Jay Jay’s friends for their help following the incident and since Sunday.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank the wider community of Darwen for their continued support.

“While we have now arrested and charged two men, I would encourage anyone who may have information which could assist us to contact us, in particular anyone who was in the bar on Saturday night who has not yet spoken to police.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log reference 0958 of January 28 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.