Tributes have flooded in for a Scottish security guard who tragically lost his life after an alleged confrontation with two women.
Those that knew Bill Ireland have sent dozens of tribute messages following his death and described the man as ‘the kindest soul who would help anybody.’ He died on Friday January 6 at a department store, Rejects, that he worked at in Kirkcaldy Fife.
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Officers say that a probe was launched into the circumstances that led to the 62-year-old grandad’s death after it was at first treated as ‘unexplained’ by police, the Daily Record reports.
Two females, aged 35 and 57, were called to appear in court and were charged with culpable homicide and theft by shoplifting.
They both made no plea and have been released on bail.
After being formally identified by Police Scotland, colleagues past and present have flooded social media with moving messages in memory of Bill. Rebecca Graham wrote: “Feel so privileged to have known Bill personally and worked alongside him.
“The kindest soul with a happy smile. Sending all my love to Lynne, Eilidh, Kelly & Daniel.” Vanessa Kane posted: “RIP Bill, you were a loving family man and a respected work colleague.
“You helped so many of us at Rejects over the years. And your presence is missed already. I’m devastated for Lynee and your family, thoughts are very much with them at this sad time.”
Keith Poole added: “He was such a nice person, always happy to help. So sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and of course to all his work colleagues at Rejects. RIP Bill, you made a difference to many folk.”
Grant Hutchison wrote: “He was one of a kind. Would help anyone he could. He didn’t deserve this. Hopefully justice is served. Had the pleasure of working with Bill. RIP. Gone but not forgotten.”
Stacey Duff commented: “Will be missed. Known him for about 20 years, always the good ones taken first. RIP Bill. Thoughts and prayers with family and all his team at Rejects.”
And Lee Westwater added: “Aww Bill. You will be so missed. Thank you for your kindness and support you’ve shown me over the last 12 years. Rejects won’t be the same. Thinking of you all sending lots of love to Lynne, Eilidh and the boys, the mini Bills.”
Store customers also shared their memorable interactions with Bill over the years. One said: “He was a gem of a man when my gran had an accident within the store. He was so lovely with us and reassured us the best he could under the circumstances.
“He even phoned few days later to ask how my gran was and when we went back into the store he was right over to have a chat. So sad he went out to do his job and not return to his family. Thoughts with all Bill's family and his work family too.”
Another added: “I had a similar experience when my little boy fell and banged his head. He phoned a few days later to make sure he was okay. Was such a nice thing for him to do.”
A statement from Police Scotland said: “Around 12.20pm on Friday, 6 January, 2023, police were called to shop premises on St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy. A 62-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. The 62-year-old man can now be named as Bill Ireland.
“Two women, aged 35 and 57 years, have been arrested and charged in connection with the death. They appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Monday, 9 January. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
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