inews

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by JAMIE WELHAM
Published: 25 January 2008

‘Tony’ Pounal

Did ‘gentle giant’ take in his killer?

SPECULATION is growing that a “good samaritan” found dead at his Holloway flat on Monday was murdered by one of the many lodgers he took in.
The body of James Anthony Pounal, 51, was discovered when concerned neighbours called police to say they had not seen him for weeks and that there was a strange smell coming from his home in Selden Walk on the Andover estate.
Officers forced their way into the flat, where they made the grim discovery shortly after 9am.
A post-mortem held at St Pancras Mortuary on Tuesday gave the cause of death as head injuries, but detectives are unsure how long Mr Pounal had been dead. Police are trying to trace his next-of-kin, who are believed to live in Manchester.
His neighbour and friend of 10 years, Doreen Price, described “Tony” as a sad and lonely man, who used to take pity on strangers, often giving them a bed for the night. “Tony was a gentle giant,” she said. “He wasn’t exactly well off himself but he used to go down to the soup kitchen at Christmas and help out.
“He always used to bring people back to his flat and make them cups of tea because he felt sorry for them. He had time for everybody.”
Mrs Price said Mr Pounal was “like my own son”. She added: “We spent New Year’s Eve together a few years back and he just opened up his heart to me.
“He was adopted and his real mum had rejected him when he tracked her down two years ago. He said she was jealous of his relationship with his new-found stepsister.
“I can’t believe anyone could do such a thing to such a nice bloke. It seemed like things were getting better for him recently as well because he started this new course at college and had bought himself a new computer.”
She added: “I haven’t been able to eat or sleep since it happened and am thinking about leaving the estate for good. I can’t believe he’s not going to be around any more.”
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Lansdown appealed for information from anyone who knew Mr Pounal or his next-of-kin. “We are also keen to speak to anyone who may know the last time he was seen alive, those who associated with him or locations he frequented,” he added.

Anyone with information is asked to call 020 8358 0200 or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Your Comments: