Four youths identified in death of tourist
Updated: 17-May-2012
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Ian Haggath (right) pictured with a friend, Alan Smith.
Photo: SUPPLIED
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The 50 year old from Gateshead, England, had been holidaying with a friend and staying at the Hotel Janelas do Mar, located in Montechoro, when he was attacked while walking back to the hotel following a night out, at around 4.15am.
The gang of four youths - at the time of the attack two were aged 15 and the others 17 and 18 - are believed by police to have attacked Ian Haggath as part of a premeditated plan to follow and ambush him.
Ian attempted to resist the attack but was eventually overcome by three gang members while the fourth, aged 15, repeatedly kicked him in the head until he lost consciousness. The gang fled the scene without stealing any personal belongings of the victim.
Ian was left in a pool of blood before being transferred to Faro hospital, where he was pronounced brain dead on May 18, 2011. He died seven days later, suffering various head injuries including a fractured skull and blood on the brain.
According to Correio da Manhã, after the attack the four made a pact of silence about what had happened and attempted to disguise their involvement through keeping a low profile and staying out of trouble in the area.
PJ police are said to have tracked the group due to the distinctive ginger hair colour of one of the members. This was a clue given in a statement by a witness to a previous attack, which took place just hours before Ian was beaten up.
The minors involved in this attack are thought to be part of a larger gang that originates from Ferreiras, a district of Albufeira, who are known for trouble making and various other infringements of the law. The case is now following official procedures with the PJ, the Public Ministry services and the Court of Minors. S.M.
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