A painter and decorator has been charged with assaulting a homeless man who died four days after being sprayed with red paint in a humiliating attack.

Images of Michael Cash sitting on the ground covered in paint caused outrage when they went viral earlier this month.

The 32-year-old, who was a rough sleeper in his hometown of Middlesbrough, died just days after the incident.

Cleveland Police said they had now charged 33-year-old local man, Aaron Jones, with assault and criminal damage in connection with the paint attack.

He will appear before Teesside magistrates on October 10th.