Derry assault victim Danny Payne fighting for his life in hospital after being assaulted
A 19-year-old man has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent over an assault on ‘Good Samaritan’ Danny Payne at the weekend in Derry
He is expected to appear at Derry Magistrates Court on Wednesday, November 15 for a first remand hearing.
The charges follow an assault in Newmarket Street in Derryduring the early hours of Sunday 22 October.
As is usual procedure the charges will be reviewed by the PPS.
A 18-year-old woman also arrested in connection with the same incident was released pending a report to the PPS.
Danny Payne was walking home after a night out at a birthday celebration with his wife when he went to intervene in an altercation around 2 am.
The married man, aged in his 30s, was set upon and receive severe head injuries.
He was first taken to Altnagelvin Hospital but was later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as his injuries were so severe.
Doctors say he is critically ill and are battling to pull him through his injuries.
Mr Payne, a former volunteer with Foyle Search and Rescue, underwent an operation in the intensive care unit.
Mr Payne’s brother-in-law Chris McElwee said the family are not sure if he will survive.
“We do not know whether he is going to make it or not,” Mr McElwee told BBC Radio Foyle.
“I would really like to think he will pull through.”
Mr Payne’s wife Sarah, who is keeping a vigil at her husband’s bedside, also sustained injuries in the assault.
“She is in bits and doesn’t know what to expect, she is numb,” said Mr McElwee.
The couple have three young children.
“The youngest one is three years-old and she is just daddy’s little princess,” said his brother-in-law.
“I do not know what the children would do if they lost their father.”
“Danny is one of those people that you could not not like.
He tries to be friends with everybody. He is one of those guys who would drop everything to come and help you,” added Mr McElwee.
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