A MAN has appeared before Bolton magistrates charged with the murder of a father-of-four from Bury.

Ryan McLoughlin, aged 23, of Fairfields, Egerton, was accused of killing 39-year-old Robert Johnston. He was remanded in custody until March 4.

Mr Johnston was attacked in Bolton town centre as he was returning from a night out to celebrate his birthday.

He suffered head and facial injuries in the attack as he walked along Saville Street, at 2.45am on Saturday, October 15.

He died eight hours later at Royal Bolton Hospital despite the efforts of doctors in the intensive care unit.

Mr Johnston had been walking back to his home in Levens Drive, Breightmet, after a night out drinking in the town centre, along with his friend Darren O'Donaghue, to celebrate his 39th birthday.

Mr Johnston worked as a foreman at Briggs Demolition in Bury. He was born and brought up in Bury but moved to a new home in Breightmet only eight months before his death.

He left a wife Sharon, four children, and two grandchildren.

A 28-year-old man, from Egerton, arrested by in connection with Mr Johnston's death was released on police bail until April 26, pending further inquiries.

Det Supt Martin Bottomley said he believed there were more people with "significant" information and he urged them to come forward.