A 102-year-old man has died after an incident at a pub in Cwmbran, Wales, where he was allegedly pushed from a stage after asking for the music to be turned down. A 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault.
Incident at the Crow’s Nest pub
Phillip Ormerod was rushed to hospital on Saturday 1 August after an evening at the popular Crow’s Nest pub. Reports allege the victim was pushed from a stage after asking to lower the volume. He died while in hospital.
Family reaction
His son, Robert Ormerod, told the BBC he was “sad” about his father’s passing and said whoever was behind the alleged assault must have known his age. He said: “He just asked them to turn the music down. They must have known he was an old man. It makes you wonder what the world is coming to.”
Robert Ormerod added: “I feel sad – even though he could be difficult because of his age and dementia, still, you get used to him being around. He’s well-known around here, although a lot of his generation are gone. I suppose he became a pub character.” He also said his father had been in hospital for over a week, stating: “He was in hospital, suffering, for a week-and-a-half. It’s not nice.”
Police investigation and appeal
Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Shelley Comley, said: “We understand the public interest in this incident but want to remind people that not only is this an active criminal investigation but there is a family at heart of it processing the loss of a loved one. Please consider the impact that inaccurate or speculative comments – particularly online commentary - could have on them and the ongoing investigation as a whole.”
Police say the incident took place between 10pm and 11pm. A statement read: “Anyone who was in the pub between 10pm and 11pm on Saturday 1 August and hasn’t yet spoken to police is asked to contact us. You can do so by calling 101, sending a direct message on social media, or via the form on our website, quoting log reference 2600249432. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.”
