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 popular local figure 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 patrons.
“I suppose he became a pub character,” Robert said, noting that some younger customers would often buy his father drinks when he visited.
Robert said Phillip was diagnosed with dementia a couple of years ago, although the family suspected he may have been living with the condition before then.
As his eyesight worsened, Robert and his brother began helping with household chores and buying food for their father.
“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.
Speaking about his father’s death, Robert said the loss remained painful despite the difficulties associated with Phillip’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 previously worked as a design draughtsman before retiring. He remained in Llanyrafon after his wife died about 40 years ago and continued to receive regular visits from his two sons.
Emergency services were called to the Crow’s Nest at around 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 subsequent death are still being investigated.