Acomb assault victim dies in hospital (From York Press)

Acomb assault victim, Keith Wright, dies in hospital

10:30am Friday 1st February 2013 in News By Press reporter

The victim of a brutal assault in York has lost his fight for life.

Keith Wright, 50, had been on a life-support machine in Leeds General Infirmary with critical injuries after being attacked in Acomb last month.

The attack happened at 7.40pm on Monday, January 21. Mr Wright died yesterday at 9am.

Two people – Liam Matthew Wyard, 19, formerly of Acomb Road, Acomb, and now of no fixed address, and a 16-year-old, from west York who cannot be named for legal reasons – have been charged with unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

But police said they were now working with the Crown Prosecution Service to re-examine the joint charge in light of Mr Wright’s death.

The attack, which happened at the corner of Fairfax Court and Acomb Road, has shocked the local community, where prayers will be said for Mr Wright this weekend.

Det Insp Ian Dyer, of York CID, said: “Our thoughts are with Keith’s family who are naturally devastated by the terrible outcome at hospital. This is an extremely tragic incident and we are doing everything we can to support them as we work hard to secure justice for Keith.”

Coun David Horton, ward councillor for Acomb, said: “It was an horrendous assault and it is obviously very sad for his family.”

Having served as a magistrate for more than 30 years, Coun Horton said he hoped those responsible would be brought to justice.

John Lee, rector of Holgate St Paul’s Church, said the area normally felt like a safe place to live but “occasionally these things happen”. “It’s very sad,” he said. “This Sunday we will pray for him and his family.”

Mr Wright’s family has previously thanked the medical teams at York and Leeds hospitals for their care of him, and for the support offered by police.