Police have named a 61-year-old Irish man who died after being allegedly assaulted in Christchurch New Zealand.
Anthony Michael Kelly, was born in Ireland but moved to New Zealand several decades ago where he lived in Wellington on the North Island for a time prior to moving to Christchurch in the South Island.
The family man worked as a self-employed horticulturist and landscaper.
Mr Kelly was allegedly chased from a bus depot and attacked in the city’s Cashel St, about 6.20pm on October 18. He died 10 days later in hospital.
He suffered a serious head injury and was rushed to Christchurch Hospital and was placed on life support machine where he battled for his life.
Parts of Cashel St were cordoned off by investigating officers for several hours to allow for forensic examinations to be carried out.
An 18-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested in relation to the incident and appeared at Christchurch District Court last week charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Christchurch based police said in a statement that further charges against the teenager are being considered.
In tribute to the man who died Auckland Irish Club said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with our community in Christchurch. A member of the Christchurch Irish Society was attacked just over a week ago and sadly passed away on Friday. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. May he rest in peace.”
He was a member of the Christchurch Folk Club and the Christchurch Irish Society.
The police statement added:”There will be no further comment from the family or police.”
One of his friend’s previously said he was “a man with a heart of gold – a hell of a nice guy”.
It is understood the weekend before he was allegedly assaulted, he spent several hours landscaping a memorial garden at the Irish Society’s clubrooms and was always willing to help out wherever he could, the friend said.
