Family tribute to 40-year-old Scarborough man with “heart of gold"
The family of a 40-year-old Scarborough man have paid tribute to their son “who had a heart of gold” after he died following an altercation in the town.
North Yorkshire Police said an altercation took place on the crossroad of Longwestgate, Auborough Street, Cross Street and Friars Way, at around 11.15pm on Tuesday December 30, leaving Damon Nicky John O’Nions-Cairns with critical head injuries.
But Mr O’Nions-Cairns died in hospital on the evening of Tuesday January 13.
Family members are being supported by specialist officers while the investigation continues.
In a statement issued via the police, they paid tribute to Mr O’Nions-Cairns and said how the tragedy had left them all heartbroken.
“Damon was born in Bridlington and joined his brother and sister, then another sister came along,” they said.
"He enjoyed going fishing with his father.
“He was a little tearaway at school.
"He had a heart of gold but struggled with mental illness.
“He would help anybody especially elderly folk who he treated with respect.
“He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, grandson, husband and father and this tragedy has broken the family’s hearts.
“Please can you give his family and friends time to grieve his loss in their own way.”
Following the death, North Yorkshire Police is liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service regarding 19-year-old Leon Upson.
Upson, of no fixed address, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on Monday January 5, charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, and possession of Class A (cocaine) and Class B (cannabis) drugs.
Upson was remanded in custody and is due at York Crown Court on Tuesday February 9, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.