Victim Dies Following Assault in Guildford Town Centre – Family Pay Tribute

Published on: 21 Oct, 2019
Updated on: 22 Oct, 2019

The Charcoal Grill on Park Street

A man who was left gravely injured after a serious assault in Guildford town centre, during the early hours of Saturday, 12 October, has died.

Police officers attended an incident in Park Street, close to the premises of the Guildford Charcoal Grill, around 2.20am. First reports stated that the assault had followed a dispute around a pre-booked taxi.

The victim now named as Jamie Smith, 24-years-old, from the Elmbridge area of Surrey, was taken to hospital with serious injuries, but on Friday (October 18) the police announced he had died.

Paying tribute to Jamie, his family said: “We as a family are utterly heartbroken and devastated at the loss of our son Jamie, he was a loving, kind-hearted and generous young man with an incredibly bright future ahead of him. He had already achieved so much in his 24 years. Jamie was extremely close to his family and was so lucky to have an amazing group of friends.

“We are, and forever will be incredibly proud of him and the young man he became. There are no words to express how much all of us will miss him. Our lives will never be the same again.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Chapman, who is overseeing the investigation into the incident, said: “This incident has tragically ended in the death of a young man. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. We continue to appeal for witnesses who may be able to help us piece together what happened.

Looking towards Guildford Railway Station at the area in front of the Charcoal Grill.

“The incident took place as people were leaving the town centre after a night out, we would like to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident, or may have been in the area at the time.”

Barney Thomas Christopher Coyle, 23, of Frog Grove Lane, Guildford was charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm and remanded in custody after appearing at Guildford Crown Court on 14 October. Today (October 21) Surrey Police said he remains under investigation and enquiries are ongoing.

A police spokesperson added: “If you witnessed the incident or have any information (including dashcam footage) which could help us with our enquiries, please call us on 101, quoting crime reference number PR/45190108025. If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”