Brother of man killed with axe lauds neighbours

Neans McSweeney

Pensioner Brian Messitt, was attacked in broad daylight on a London street by a man who gave himself up to police. The suspect appeared in court yesterday.

The victim’s only brother, Desmond Messitt, 57, said his friends in Waterford have been very supportive.

“I’ve a lot of friends around here and they have been a great help,” the retired electrician said from his holiday home at Kildwan, Bonmahon.

The brothers have not met for years but Desmond said he got a Christmas card from Brian.

“We were all brought up in London. He was a happy-go-lucky man and he travelled a lot. We have one sister, who is 62, and also lives in London. The police will hold onto his body for a while. He won’t be buried until April.

“I’m over here for a few weeks, doing a bit of work on the house. Some of what has been written has been very hurtful and wrong. I never said I didn’t know my brother was gay. I said I didn’t know if he was or if he wasn’t. I come here quite a lot so my brother and I don’t meet a lot. Brian’s son Sean has made a statement to the press this morning and we just want to leave it at that,” he said.

Brian Messitt had travelled around India for some time. While in London, he stayed with his son and his girlfriend in north London.

A 37-year-old waiter appeared in court accused of his murder yesterday.

Joseph Sheehan was charged at Highbury Corner magistrates court with the murder of Brian Messitt in Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, north London, on Monday morning.

Sheehan, of Belmont Street, Camden, who had close-cropped dark hair, wore white jogging bottoms and a white tracksuit top for the brief court appearance.

He spoke in a soft high-pitched voice only to confirm his identity, age and address. No application for bail was made and the accused was remanded in custody to reappear before the Old Bailey on March 23.

Mr Messitt, who lived in Haverstock Hill, north London, died of severe head injuries in the attack.

In the family statement issued yesterday, he was described as a “peaceful and polite pensioner” who enjoyed long walks, reading and football.