An elderly man who was the victim of a serious assault which occurred on Saturday 2nd November in the area of Station Road, Antrim, has sadly died. He has been named as Tony Miskimmon.
Trevor Clarke, DUP MLA for South Antrim shared news of the pensioner’s death this morning, Thursday 7 November, sharing his condolences and commending the swift action of the police. He said:
“Following the serious assault that occurred on Station Road in Antrim on Saturday, I am devastated to learn that the 74-year-old victim has unfortunately passed away from his injuries.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the gentleman's family and friends at this tragic time.
“I commend the PSNI on their swift actions in making arrests. As the case is now going through the judicial process, I won't comment further, except to express my hope that the courts will handle this case promptly.
“If anyone was in the area at the time and has not yet reported any information to the police, I encourage them to do so immediately.”
Speaking today, the Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed all charges, including any additional charges, will be reviewed by the PPS in due course.
Detective Inspector Sean Armstrong said:
"I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Tony at this very sad time. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding Tony’s death and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Station Road, Antrim on Saturday 2nd November between 7pm and 8pm and may have witnessed this incident, or has any other information that would assist with our enquiries to please get in touch.
Police launched an investigation following the incident when it was reported that the 74-year-old man was punched to the head, knocking him unconscious. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to serious head injuries where he remained in a critical condition until he passed away.
Marcus Fleming, 21, from Cedarmount, Antrim was arrested and charged by police in connection with the incident, and subsequently appeared in court on Monday 4th November.
A witness reported to the police that the confrontation began when Fleming, after asking a woman for a cigarette and swearing at her, was confronted by the intervening pensioner. The assault followed shortly thereafter.
The police constable confirmed to the court that they could connect Fleming to the crime. After his arrest, Fleming confessed to the police that he had hit the pensioner, though he claimed he was struck first.
Defending Fleming, a lawyer described the case as "very sad," emphasising his client's immediate remorse and full acceptance of his involvement. "This was not a sustained attack but a one-punch incident with no pre-meditation," the lawyer added.
Fleming faces additional charges including two counts of criminal damage and one count of attempted criminal damage. The court also heard that during transport, Fleming exhibited aggressive behavior, spitting and urinating in the police van.
At the court hearing, an application for bail was denied, and Marcus Fleming will remain in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for a later date.
Police have asked anyone who was in the area and who witnessed the incident or captured dash-cam or CCTV footage which could assist with police enquiries is asked to contact detectives in Antrim on 101, quoting reference 1413 02/11/24.A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org