Assault charge may become murder

David Matthew Sindall, of Selbourne Street, Eastwood, was formally charged with burglary and grievous bodily harm in a hearing at Barnsley Magistrates Court following an alleged “confrontation” in Hoyland in the early hours of July 21.

But Dean Armitage, who was rushed to Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital with injuries which investigators believe were sustained during the outside his home on Skiers View Road, passed away on Friday (9) — ending a near three-week fight life.

Investigating officers have been liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service over the possibility of escalating the assault charges against Sindall to one of murder or manslaughter.

Describing the incident in the early hours of July 21, a police spokesman speaking at the time stated: “Officers believe that a 49-year-old man confronted an unknown male on Skiers View Road in Hoyland.

“It is thought that the unknown male may have been attempting to break into the 49-year-old man’s car.”

Haulage firm boss Mr Armitage leaves a widow and three children.