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 the downtown area of 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.

Cpl Gibson, from Dalry, North Ayrshire, 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 has been charged with second-degree murder in relation to the death of Sheffield.

According to police, officers were called to an incident that occurred in the Portland Street and King Street West area at around 11.25pm. When they arrived, officers found Sheffield with life-threatening injuries.

Gibson was initially arrested for aggravated assault following the incident. 

NextGen Drainage, a company founded by Sheffield, who went by Sheff to his friends, issued a statement following his death. 

The statement 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. 

A friend wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post: ‘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!’

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

(Source: Daily Mail)