Family left ‘without answers’ after Beckenham man dies in assault

Riccardo Holness sustained head injuries during an attack after a night out with his friends in High Street, Beckenham at 1.20am on October 17, 2021.

The 42-year-old was rushed to hospital in a critical condition where he was put on a life support machine and died nearly a month later on November 12, 2021.

Riccardo Holness sustained head injuries during an assault in Beckenham. (Image: Contributor)

Three years later, the News Shopper exclusively spoke to Riccardo’s sister, Ramona Marsh, who said her “baby brother” was the most kind-hearted person she had ever known who had “done nothing wrong to anyone”.

The 47-year-old said: “Riccardo would always go out to help other people. He would love to help anyone.

“He was unselfish, charismatic and always helped others. He would always help his friends with their issues.

Riccardo Holness sustained head injuries during an assault in Beckenham. (Image: Contributor)

“And if he were to see an elderly person struggle with their shopping, he would go out of his way and help.

“That’s the kind of brother he was. He was so genuine and didn’t have bad bone in his body.”

On the night of the attack, Ramona received a phone call from one of Riccardo’s friends who said that the police called about Riccardo but wouldn’t tell him what had happened.

Riccardo Holness with friends. (Image: Contributor)

Ramona eventually called the police and they said that her brother had been resuscitated after being “viciously” assaulted and that the family needed to come to the hospital “as soon as possible”.

Ramona and her mum were left “devastated” after hearing the news and understood that Riccardo’s condition was “very serious”.

She explained: “I didn’t speak to him on the night of the attack, but I spoke to him the day before.

Riccardo Holness (Image: Contributor)

“He was in high spirits, so I didn’t think anything of it, he was very busy at work at the time.

“He was supposed to come to dinner and after he didn’t turn up, I thought about calling him but out of nowhere his friend called me.

“That’s when I called the police, and they told me what happened, so we rushed down to the hospital.”

Riccardo was put on a life support machine and after three weeks the doctors told the family that they needed to turn off the machine as there was “no way” for him to regain consciousness.

On November 12, Riccardo died, and five days later, a post-mortem examination gave the cause of Riccardo’s death as blunt force trauma to the head.

Ramona said: “It was such an awful time for us seeing him like that.

“We used to play his favourite songs to him, and still talk to him with the hope that he could still hear us.

“All of his friends would visit and talk to him. We were hoping at that point he would come back but he couldn’t.

“His brain was too damaged after he broke his neck and back into three different places.

“At times, we saw that he’d move his legs, hands and fingers but the doctors said they were just reflexes and that there was no brain activity.

“Even if he had recovered, the chances of him being able to walk would be very slim.”

After his death, the family “have not been the same” and Riccardo’s dog, Rocky, also died six months after.

Riccardo Holness's dog, Rocky. (Image: Contributor)

Ramona added: “Riccardo absolutely loved his dog, he was his everything. He was so young.

“After my brother died, so did Rocky. I think he couldn’t cope without Riccardo being there so that’s why he died.

“We did contemplate bringing him to the hospital, but we thought it would be distressing for Rocky.

“During that time, Rocky was losing weight and started having problems with his behaviour.

“I think he was stressed that Riccardo wasn’t there and that’s why he ended up dying.”

At the time, a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of GBH and subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.

In November 2024, the family will face “the unimaginable pain” of being at Coroners Court where they will determine if Riccardo’s death was “lawful’ or “unlawful”.

If ruled as “unlawful”, Ramona said there is a strong possibility the case will be re-opened and that the family will get the answers they are looking for.

Ramona has since launched a GoFundMe page to help raise the funds for the best legal representation for Riccardo.

She added: “We need the best legal representation that will give us the best chance for someone to fight for my brother.

“Hopefully, if ruled as unlawful that will prompt the case to be reopened and to reinvestigated.”

The GoFundMe page has since raised £780 with a goal of £10,000 before the hearing at the Coroners Court.

Ramona explained: “Any financial contribution, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated in helping us to get justice for my brother and my mum’s only son, sending a powerful message that violence will not be tolerated.”