Leamington pensioner, 91, dies in hospital following attack at his home

The scene in George Street, Leamington, where a 91-year-old man was attacked.
MHLC-18-09-13 Crime Scene Sep55 — The scene in George Street, Leamington, where a 91-year-old man was attacked. MHLC-18-09-13 Crime Scene Sep55

Sydney Pavier, 91, of Gordon Street, had been found badly injured with head injuries by relatives who called to see him on 16 September.

His home had been ransacked and the front door was slightly ajar.

Mr Pavier, who lived alone, was taken to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire where he received treatment in the intensive care unit.

But he never recovered and died in hospital on Monday.

A 38-year old man, Scott Melville, from Leamington, but of no fixed address, was charged with burglary and causing grievous bodily harm.

He appeared before magistrates in Leamington on Thursday September 19 and was remanded in custody to appear before Warwick Crown Court at a date yet to be set.

Police are continuing to investigate the assault and the burglary at the address and have re-issued their appeal for anyone with any information to come forward.

Det Chief Insp James Essex, who is leading the investigation, said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of Mr Pavier’s death.

He was a very elderly man who lived alone and had maintained his independence right up until he was viciously attacked in September. Sadly he never recovered from his injuries.

“We are renewing our appeal for anyone who may have information about the burglary or of the assault. We know that his front door was found ajar when his relatives visited him on September 16, and we would like to find out how long the door had been partially open for.

“We also want to hear from anyone who can remember hearing or seeing anything suspicious in Gordon Street between Friday 13 September to Monday 16 September when he was found. It is some time ago so we are asking people to check their diaries, check their Facebook accounts or anything else that will help to jog their memories for that date”.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Warwickshire Police Major Investigation Unit on 01788 853956, or they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where the information can be given anonymously.