Family’s Tribute to ‘Gentle Giant’ After Death Following Assault

The daughter of an elderly man, who passed away on Wednesday following a weekend assault, has characterized him as a “gentle giant” widely recognized within the community. Anthony ‘Tony’ Miskimmon, aged 74, sustained a punch to the head, rendering him unconscious on Station Road in Antrim town last Saturday. His daughter confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Wednesday. On Monday, an individual faced court proceedings, charged with grievous bodily harm related to the event. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stated that the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) will review all charges, including any further charges, at a later time. Lani, Mr. Miskimmon’s daughter, received news of her father’s injuries on Sunday morning. During an interview with the Nolan Show, Lani expressed that “never in a million years would I have thought I’d have that call”. When Lani inquired with the doctor about her father’s prognosis, she was informed he had a 1% chance of survival. Residing in Australia, Lani promptly traveled to Northern Ireland to be with her father in the hospital. Lani recounted being shown a scan of her father’s brain, which, she stated, revealed “catastrophic blood all over the brain.” Mr. Miskimmon passed away “peacefully” on Wednesday night. Lani characterized her father as a “big character” devoted to his grandchildren, daughters, and dogs. Her last conversation with him occurred on Saturday morning, as he was having breakfast and preparing to visit The Dockers Club. They had discussed arrangements for him to travel to Australia shortly to reunite with his grandchildren. “He loved his girls,” Lani remarked concerning her father, further stating: “I never went a day without knowing how much I was loved.” She continued, “I was at the stage now where I wanted more, I could now bring my children over.” She conveyed to BBC News NI: “My dad had beautiful big hands and those hands should be holding mine and his grandkids, to think my children aren’t going to have their grandad at their weddings, he’d be incredibly proud.” Lani conveyed that the family is “beyond devastated” by his passing. She added, “I’m not interested in justice, I just want everyone to know the man you see in the news isn’t just a man, he’s my life.” Detective Inspector Sean Armstrong of the PSNI extended his profound condolences to Tony’s family and friends. He further stated, “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding Tony’s death and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Station Road, Antrim on Saturday 2 November between 19:00 and 20:00 and may have witnessed this incident, or has any other information that would assist with our enquiries to please get in touch.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Details regarding their approach to external linking are available.