Ardglass vigil after death of fisherman in brutal attack

Ardglass vigil after death of fisherman in brutal attack

30 May 2018

A VIGIL was held in Ardglass last night in memory of Stefan Zait who died following a brutal attack in the village.

The harbour was the focal point for residents who gathered in a cross-community prayer vigil to remember Mr Zait and to show solidarity with his family and friends.

The 45 year-old fisherman, originally from Romania, died from serious head injuries sustained in Ardglass last Tuesday morning.

Yesterday detectives also issued a renewed appeal for information, just days after 20 year-old Jason Carr, from Castle Heights in Ardglass, appeared in court charged with his murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Corrigan said Mr Zait’s family were “devastated” and deserved to know what happened to him.

“Although a 20 year-old male suspect has been charged, we are continuing to appeal for information about the circumstances surrounding Stefan’s death,” he said.

The detective chief inspector said Mr Zait died from serious head injuries sustained during what he described as a “brutal attack in broad daylight”.

“From our enquiries, we know that Stefan was attacked outside 1 Lighthouse Cove between 10.30am and 11am,” he continued.

“I am continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed this attack, or anyone who was in the area of Downpatrick Road or Strangford Road on Tuesday morning, to get in touch with the investigation team.

“I would appeal to anyone who has captured any footage at the scene, either on devices or on dash cams, to please get in touch.”

At Newtownards Magistrate’s Court on Saturday, Carr, in addition to the murder charge, was also charged with attempted aggravated burglary at a property in Crew Hill Court with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on the Romanian national.

Carr spoke only to confirm he understood the charges against him.

Defence barrister Sean Doherty said that while his client denied both charges, he was not applying for bail “out of respect for the family of the deceased”.

Carr was remanded in to custody to appear at Downpatrick Court via video link on June 14.

A 50 year-old man and a 53 year-old woman questioned in connection with the murder were released on bail at the weekend pending further enquiries. 

Mr Zait was a well known and popular figure in Ardglass, where he had been working on local fishing vessels for the past six years.

In a statement issuing an invitation to yesterday evening’s vigil, Dunsford and Ardglass Parish said: “Please come and show your solidarity for Stefan and his family and friends at this sad time. 

“Come too to show our desire that our village regains its good name as an open, welcoming, peace-loving and non-violent community showing respect for the dignity of each person and especially to those of different cultural backgrounds.”

Anyone with information about the attack on Mr Zait is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 377 22/05/18. 

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.