Pictured: Brit soldier, 28, charged with murder ‘after fatally elbowing businessman while in Canada on military exercise’

A British soldier has been charged with second degree murder after allegedly fatally elbowing a businessman while in Canada on a military exercise.

Corporal Craig Gibson, 28, is accused of attacking Canadian Brett Sheffield after a late-night bar brawl in downtown Toronto on August 28.

The 38-year-old was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and did not regain consciousness.

Documents seen by The Sun allege Cpl Gibson struck Sheffield once ‘with an elbow to the upper jaw which ultimately caused the victim to be rendered unconscious’.

Sheffield was declared brain dead and passed away two days later.

Corporal Craig Gibson, 28, is accused of attacking Canadian Brett Sheffield after drinking in downtown Toronto on August 28. Police announced on Monday that Gibson is charged with second-degree murder in relation to the death of Brett Sheffield

Brett Sheffield was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries two days later

Cpl Gibson served in Iraq and was in the country as part of a military exercise, The Sun reports.

He had been drinking with a comrade from 4 Scots, the Highlanders, when the brawl erupted in a bar called Locals Only in the city’s Entertainment District, according to the publication. 

Police announced on Monday that Gibson, 28, from an undisclosed location in the United Kingdom, is charged with second-degree murder in relation to the death of Brett Sheffield, 38.

According to police, officers were called to an incident that occurred ‘at a bar’ close to the downtown section of the city around 11.30pm. When they arrived, officers found Sheffield with life-threatening injuries.

Reports allege that Gibson was apprehended a short time later. Photos from the scene showed police cruisers parked outside of a restaurant named Laissez Faire.

‘He was such an awesome kid, always treating me and everyone around him with the outmost respect. He surely will be missed,’ a friend said in a Facebook tribute to the victim 

The suspect faced a bail hearing in Toronto on Monday, September 11. The ruling of that hearing has not been made public. 

NextGen Drainage, a company founded by Sheffield, who went by Sheff to his friends, issued a statement following his passing, calling it the result of a ‘random act of violence’. 

It read: ‘Brett Sheffield, founder of NextGen Drainage Solutions, passed away on August 30 due to a random act of violence. His absence is felt deeply across the community, our company, and his vast network of friends and colleagues.

‘Brett’s passion for helping every person feel valued and cared for, will continue to motivate us. We are finding comfort in our shared commitment to ensuring Brett’s legacy thrives. We appreciate your concern and patience as we support Brett’s family.’

According to his LinkedIn page, Sheffield founded the company in 2011 and started numerous other businesses during his life, including a farm and a gym. He graduated from Ohio State University in 2014. 

‘One of the best guys I have ever known. He will be deeply missed by so many people. Still can’t believe that it’s actually true. Still waiting for that daily text to come through from you. Gonna miss you so much! Love you Brett!,’ a friend wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post. 

‘He was such an awesome kid, always treating me and everyone around him with the outmost respect. He surely will be missed,’ said another friend.