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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Anthony France

Suspect, 57, charged with murder of pensioner in Covent Garden

James O’Neill - (Metropolitan Police)

A suspect has been charged with murder after a 74-year-old man died two weeks after being battered in Covent Garden.

James O’Neill, known to his family as Jim, was assaulted and collapsed in Odhams Walk around midday on October 6.

Members of the public who witnessed the attack attempted first aid.

Police attended alongside London Ambulance Service paramedics and found Mr O’Neill suffering from serious injuries.

He was taken to hospital where he sadly died on October 21.

Trevor John Gocan, 57, of Odhams Walk, Covent Garden was arrested and initially accused of grievous bodily harm.

But he has now been charged with murdering Mr O’Neill and will appear at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday.

The victim’s family continue to receive support from specialist officers, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Woods, of the Specialist Crime Command, said “We are continuing with enquiries as part of this murder investigation following Jim’s death.

“I appreciate that this was a concerning incident, with many members of the public witnessing and providing first aid to Jim.

“If you witnessed anything but haven’t contact us, please do and help us get justice for Jim’s family.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference CAD 2858 of 6 Oct, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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