How 12 months passed before beloved dad realised just how deadly his visit to a friend's house had been
He and Jimmy Walton had fallen out, but Mr Fitzsimmons needed to borrow some cigarette papers. He knocked on the door and was let into the flat by Tracey Simmonds, a local drug user he had known since school.
Mr Fitzsimmons managed to escape but as he walked back to his own flat he realised he had left his keys behind. As he sat on a wall to think about his next move, Walton and Simmonds walked past him, jeering. "Next time, I'll slit your throat...", Walton called. The attack was a turning point for Mr Fitzsimmons, whose daughter said he was "never the same again." He was scared to go home and stayed with Nicole until he learned Walton and Simmonds were to be charged for the attack.
Doctors noted he had been stabbed, two years earlier, and treated him with oral and intravenous medicine, for vomiting, nausea and the effects of alcohol withdrawal. A chest X-ray was also ordered. It later emerged the X-ray showed a loop of bowel had herniated Mr Fitzsimmons diaphragm - but medics failed to notice the irregularity and he was discharged from hospital without a further review.
Almost six years after her father was attacked, Nicole Fitzsimmons spoke of the effect the attack had on the family. She said: "To lose my father to such a crime is soul destroying. Things have never been the same since. A big part of our lives is missing. It is fair to say there is a massive hole in our hearts and minds.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
FBI files reveal threat to kill the Queen during her US visit in 1983An FBI file from 1983 has revealed a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II... The document says a man planned to harm the monarch during her visit with Prince Philip to the west coast. via MetroUS
Read more »
12 Essential Cocktail Bars To Visit In LondonThere’s nothing quite like curling up in a dark bar with a whisky sour or nursing a dirty martini at one of London’s many storied hotels.
Read more »
Oxford split over Kathleen Stock's invite to Union debateSome say objections to Kathleen Stock's upcoming visit go against free speech, but others disagree.
Read more »
Tranquil Merseyside park with a maze that's 'perfect for picnics''It's my favourite place to visit'
Read more »
Dinner at the top steak restaurant where star of the show is a chunk of lettuceAn impromptu visit to Lytham sparked a last minute search on TripAdvisor - and Miller & Carter consistently came out on top
Read more »