Anyone know much about the murder on Shiffnall on Friday neet?

Fight victim 'kicked to death'

Last posted: Monday 18 October 2004 08:39

 

A MAN has been kicked to death after a night out in Bolton.

 

The attack came after an argument broke out when the 39-year-old victim and a friend were approached by two men near Shifnall Street early on Saturday.

 

The man was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where he died at about 10am on Saturday morning.

sounds like a bad do, its one thing to have a scrap but to kick someone who is down and no threat is cowardly, hope they find who did it and throw the book at them.

Victim is kicked to death - FULL STORY

Last posted: Monday 18 October 2004 15:19

 

A MURDER investigation has been launched after a father-of-four was kicked to death in Bolton town centre as he walked home after a night out.

 

Witnesses described seeing two men kicking and punching what they thought was a bundle of rags on the floor in the early hours of Saturday.

 

But as they got closer they realised it was a man, today identified as Robert Johnston, a 39-year-old grandfather, of Levens Drive, Breightmet.

 

When the attackers saw the two men approaching they calmly crossed the road and walked away towards Bradshawgate.

 

The witnesses alerted the ambulance service and the Mr Johnston, who was unconscious, was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital suffering from severe head injuries.

 

He died eight hours later.

 

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the brutal attack which happened around 2.50am on Saturday morning.

 

Police say the man and his friend were involved in an argument with two men as they took a short cut along Saville Street, off Shiffnall Street, after a night out in Bolton.

 

The dispute developed and two men began kicking and punching the friends in a sustained attack.

 

A police patrol arrived and found the man lying unconscious on the pavement, with the two men who had called for an ambulance, shortly before 3am.

 

The victim's friend, 38-year-old Darren Paul O'Donaghue, of Holme Avenue, Brandlesholme, Bury, suffered facial injuries but declined hospital treatment.

 

Today, detectives condemned the attack as they launched a murder hunt for the killers.

 

Detective Inspector Mike Stanfield, said: "This is a disgraceful attack on two men who were simply making their way home after a night out in Bolton.

 

"From what the two witnesses have told us, the offenders were repeatedly kicking and punching the man while he lay on the ground unconscious. When they had finished they calmly crossed the road. The man suffered terrible head injuries."

 

A 200-metre cordon sealed off the murder scene, close to Ride 'n' Drive bike shop in Shiffnall Street, while scenes of crime officers carried out a fingertip search of the area.

 

Most of the roads remained closed throughout Saturday while detectives preserved evidence at the scene.

 

Over the weekend devastated family and friends laid flowers at the scene.

 

Mr Johnston's long-term partner Sharen laid a simple bunch of red roses which stated: "To my darling Rob. You were my world and now you've been taken away from me. I love you and will for the rest of my life. You were my life."

 

There were many more messages from brothers and sisters, his four children and his two grandchildren Leonni and Morgan which read: "We only knew you for a short while but will miss you loads."

 

Today at the family home relatives were too upset to speak.

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact murder squad officers at Castle Street police station, Bolton on 0161 856 5965 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Says in the BEN today that he was repeatedly kicked and stamped on his head. I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone, no matter what the circumstances, would want to do that. The bloke's unconscious, isn't that far enough, for goodness sake?

 

RIP

Says in the BEN today that he was repeatedly kicked and stamped on his head. I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone, no matter what the circumstances, would want to do that. The bloke's unconscious, isn't that far enough, for goodness sake?

 

RIP

because they're cunts. catch them, then hang them.

Turns out I knew the bloke and his family.

 

I've not seen them since they moved from Bury a few years back though.

 

Still, that's no way to come to the end of your life.

 

Having your head stamped on repeatedly.

 

Hope they catch the bastard!

This could have easily been me last week. 3 Lads booting & punching me in the head for no reason. Might be the same cunts who did me over.

 

Can't go anywhere these days, I'm paranoid enough as it is 8-[

From BEN

 

Murder hunt: man arrested

Last posted: Friday 22 October 2004 15:34  

A MAN has been arrested by detectives hunting the killer of a Bolton father of four kicked to death on a night out.  

 

The 25-year-old man was taken by police from his home in Halliwell yesterday on suspicion of the murder of Robert Johnston, who was attacked as he took a short cut home from Bolton town centre.  

 

Detectives today said the arrested man was being held at Astley Bridge police station.  

 

The man leading the hunt for the killer, Det Supt Martin Bottomley, said the arrest was made in response to one of a number of calls made after CCTV pictures were released on Wednesday.  

 

Det Supt Bottomley said: "We have arrested a 25-year-old man from the Halliwell area on suspicion of murder and assault."  

 

"Currently, he is being interviewed at Astley Bridge police station and will be interviewed throughout the day."  

 

Mr Johnston died of head injuries eight hours after he was attacked by two men in Saville Street.  

 

He was walking to his house in Levens Drive, Breightmet, after celebrating his 39th birthday with friend Darren O'Donaghue, from Bury, last Friday night.  

 

The pair were involved in an argument with two men at 2.45am on Saturday.  

 

One of the men repeatedly punched, kicked and stamped on Mr Johnston while Mr O'Donaghue, aged 38, lay dazed after also being attacked.  

 

Mr Johnston died of his injuries at Royal Bolton Hospital despite the efforts of doctors in the intensive care unit.  

 

Detectives are still seeking witnesses to the attack on Mr Johnston.  

 

Det Supt Bottomley said it was still crucial that anyone with information should come forward and contact the murder incident room.  

 

Teams of detectives will also be in the town centre tonight, gathering information from clubbers and pubgoers in the Bradshawgate area, where Mr Johnston and his friend had been drinking.