102-year-old man dies after alleged assault at pub with 56-year-old arrested

A 102-year-old great-grandfather has died in hospital after allegedly being assaulted at a pub in South Wales.

Phillip Ormerod, from Cwmbran, passed away on 1 August following a visit to the Crow’s Nest pub in town.

Emergency services were called at about 10.25pm following a report of an assault.

The Crow’s Nest was Phillip's regular where he was considered a ‘well-known character’ who locals would buy drinks for. He went there two or three times a week.

His son Robert Ormerod told the Press Association that his father lived alone with dementia in Llanyrafon.

“I feel sad – even though he could be difficult because of his age and dementia, still, you get used to him being around,” Robert said.

“Even though I suppose he wouldn’t go on forever, he would’ve carried on I think for a bit.”

Phillip Ormerod died aged 102 (PA)

The former design draughtsman lost his wife 40 years ago and was visited often by his two sons.

“I used to visit him regularly, and then towards the end me and my brother used to keep the house clean as best we could, and buy his food because his eyesight had deteriorated,” Robert added.

“[He was diagnosed with dementia] a couple of years ago, he probably had it before that.”

“He’s well-known around here, although a lot of his generation are gone,” he added.

“I suppose he became a pub character.

Robert Ormerod (pictured) has paid tribute to his father (PA)

“It became a youngsters’ pub, although it used to be a local pub where all ages went, and it was run very strictly by the landlord at the time, I remember.”

A 56-year-old man from Llanelli was arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault and remains under investigation.

According to Gray and Co Solicitors, a Section 20 Assault involves grievous (very serious) bodily harm.

To be convicted, the defendant needs 'to cause some harm or recklessness to the victim' but 'needn’t foresee serious injury', just 'the risk of some injury from his actions'.

It comes with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

DCI Shelley Comley, senior investigating officer for Gwent Police, 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 the 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."