A man has been charged with murder following the tragic death of 74-year-old James O’Neill, affectionately known as Jim, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an assault in Covent Garden last month.
The incident took place on Sunday, 6 October, when police were called to Odhams Walk in Covent Garden at 11:56 am after reports of an assault. Officers arrived on the scene alongside paramedics from the London Ambulance Service to find Jim, a man in his 70s, with serious injuries. He was immediately taken to the hospital but sadly passed away on Monday, 21 October.
Following an investigation, police arrested a suspect on the day of the assault. Trevor John Gocan, 57, of Odhams Walk, Covent Garden, has since been charged with murder. Gocan is set to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 5 November.
Detective Inspector Rebecca Woods from the Specialist Crime unit, who is leading the investigation, expressed gratitude for the support of witnesses who attempted to aid Jim at the scene. “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,” she said.
She further encouraged anyone with additional information who has not yet come forward to contact the police to help secure justice for Jim’s family. His family is receiving support from specialist officers as they come to terms with the loss.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact police on 101 or reach out on Twitter @MetCC using reference CAD 2858 of 6 Oct. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
