A man has been charged with murder after an assault in a backyard on the state’s Hunter Region overnight.

About 5pm (Friday 9 January, 2015) a man was visiting his elderly mother at her house in Main Road, Cardiff when an argument occurred between the 50-year-old and a 57-year-old neighbour.

The 57-year-old man entered the backyard and allegedly assaulted the 50-year-old, punching and kicking him to his face and body, before returning to his house.

A friend took the 50-year-old to Maitland Hospital where he died.

Police were called and a crime scene was established.

At 10.20pm (Friday 9 January, 2015) a 57-year-old man was arrested at his home in Cardiff and taken to Charlestown Police Station.

He was charged with murder to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 10 January, 2015).