Man, 60, dies after alleged one-punch assault in Westport

A local man, 20s, was arrested shortly after the incident and a major garda investigation swung into place while in was in custody

Peter McDermott. Picture: Garda Info

Gardaí have gathered CCTV and witness evidence in relation to the death of a 60-year-old father who suffered an alleged one-punch assault in Westport, Co Mayo, on Saturday.

It is understood that Peter McDermott, married with one adult child, may have hit his head off the ground after the blow.

A local man, aged in his mid-20s, was arrested shortly after the incident and a major garda investigation swung into place while in was in custody.

He was released without charge and gardaí are waiting for the results of a post mortem before completing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A State Pathologist is expected to arrive on Monday.

Mr McDermott was taken by ambulance to Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar, where he was placed on a life-support machine.

The businessman was surrounded by his family and other relatives at the hospital where he passed away earlier on Sunday.

Mr McDermott, who was originally from Co Leitrim, lived at Murrisk, near Westport, with his wife and adult daughter.

Emergency services and gardaí were called to an altercation near the busy High Street in Westport town at around 1.20am on Saturday.

As the victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition, gardaí arrested a man, aged in his 20s, near the scene.

He was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, which allows for 24 hours in custody, excluding breaks.

Gardaí had this window of time to quickly gather CCTV in the area – which, it is understood, had only recently been installed – and examine it.

Gardaí also identified witnesses and took statements from them.

It is understood the CCTV footage captured the incident and that witnesses also saw what happened.

CCTV footage from earlier in the night, taken near a number of licensed premises in the town, is also being studied.

Sources said the post mortem should provide key information. This should show if the punch delivered the fatal injury to Mr McDermott or if his subsequent fall to the ground resulted in the fatal injury.

This will help determine what possible charges may be brought.

In a statement, Garda HQ said: “Peter McDermott (60s), who had been receiving treatment at Mayo University Hospital following a serious assault in Westport passed away earlier this evening, Sunday, 10th September 2023.

“The State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem will now take place in due course. A family liaison officer has been appointed.” It said investigating gardaí were continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them.

“Any pedestrians or road users who were in the vicinity of High Street in Westport between 1.00am and 2.00am this morning, Saturday 9th September 2023 and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí,” it said.

"Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."