Two face court as man killed in street fight

Jan 21 2008 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

TWO men will appear in court this morning charged with manslaughter following the death of a Northumberland man.

Shaun Hardy, 36, of Berwick, died in hospital early on Friday after being assaulted in the town centre.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Hardy, of Highcliffe, Spittal, died as a result of head injuries.

Police arrested two men on suspicion of Mr Hardy’s murder but have now charged both with manslaughter.

Mark Simpson, 30, of St Mary’s, Berwick, and Graham Patton, 25, of Bridge Street, Berwick, will appear at Bedlington Magistrates’ Court today.

Mr Hardy’s family has meanwhile spoken of the “void in the lives of those who knew him” following his death. In a statement released on Saturday, relatives said: “The family is at this time struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of Shaun.

“Shaun was first and foremost a loving father, a devoted son and a wonderful brother. He was devoted to his daughter Blythe.

“Shaun will be sadly missed by his mother Doreen, father Colin, sister Teresa, brother-in-law Graeme and his nieces Sheraine and Mackenzie, and nephew Carl.

“Shaun will leave a void in the lives of those who knew him. We ask only that we are left to grieve our tragic loss.

“If anyone can assist the police in any way with their inquiries into Shaun’s death, please come forward.”

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Barron, who is leading the investigation into Mr Hardy’s death, said: “I am keen to trace anybody who was in Cashmere nightclub in Golden Square, Berwick, in the early hours of Friday, January 18.

“Also I would urge anyone who was in Golden Square between around 1.30am and 2am who may have witnessed anything suspicious or witnessed this incident to get in touch.”

Mr Hardy, who is understood to have worked at Magdalene Fields Golf Club near Berwick, was involved in a fight with two men at Golden Square in Berwick at 1.45am on Friday.

He was assaulted and fell to the ground and the two men made off from the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact police on 0845 604-3043.