Pub singer dies after attack at hotel
A singer from Northamptonshire has died in hospital following an alleged attack by a pensioner outside a hotel in a beachside holiday resort.
Richie Ball, a father and sometime entertainer on the pub and club scene in Northampton, was allegedly assaulted near the Sands Hotel, in Sandown, on the Isle of Wight on July 25.
The 57-year-old, who moved to the Isle of Wight several years ago, was pronounced dead at St Mary's Hospital, Newport, on Monday night.
A post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death is due to take place there within days.
Police have arrested a 68-year-old man, William Heywood, who lives in Sandown, and charged him on July 28 with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Hampshire Constabulary is now in contact with the Crown Prosecution Service about the future of the court case.
Yesterday, Mr Ball's grieving family were too upset to speak to the media.
However, in a statement issued by Hampshire Constabulary on their behalf, they said: "He died peacefully with his wife at his bedside.
"He was loved very much by his children. The family would like to thank close friends, and staff at the hospitals who treated him, for their continued support."
Sandown is a popular family holiday resort where singers and entertainers find a lot of work, especially at the clubs on Sandown pier.
Mr Ball had lived in the Northamptonshire area before settling on the island and several of his family still live in the county.
He was a guitarist and singer who played in many venues across Northampton, including the Ex-Servicemen's Club in Sheep Street, the Cathedral Social Club in Semilong Road and the Fox and Hounds pub in Harborough Road.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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