By Enitan Abdultawab
A 102-year-old great-grandfather has died in hospital days after he was allegedly assaulted at a pub in Cwmbran, South Wales.
Phillip Ormerod died this week following the incident at the Crow’s Nest pub on August 1.
His son, Robert Ormerod, described him as a well-known local character who regularly visited the pub two or three times a week.
Phillip, who lived alone in the Llanyrafon neighbourhood where he had raised his family, had dementia but continued to visit the pub, where he became a familiar face among locals.
“I suppose he became a pub character,” Robert said, adding that some younger customers would buy his father drinks when he visited.
Robert said his father had been diagnosed with dementia a couple of years ago, although the family believed he may have had it before then.
As his eyesight deteriorated, Robert and his brother helped him with household chores and bought his food.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on his father’s death, Robert said the loss was difficult despite the challenges associated with his father’s age and dementia.
“I feel sad – even though he could be difficult because of his age and dementia, still, you get used to him being around,” he said.
“Even though I suppose he wouldn’t go on forever, he would’ve carried on I think for a bit.”
Phillip had worked as a design draughtsman before retiring. He continued living in Llanyrafon after his wife died about 40 years ago and was regularly visited by his two sons.
Emergency services were called to the Crow’s Nest at about 10:25pm on August 1 following a report of an assault.
A 56-year-old man from Llanelli was arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault and remains under investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and Phillip’s death remain under investigation.
