‘They didn’t just take David’s life, they took mine too’
Widow of tragic dad knifed to death in street brawl tells of tears every time she looks at newborn daughter who will never know her father
THE widow of a dad knifed to death in the street says she can’t look at her newborn baby without crying because she is a constant reminder of her tragic husband.
David Gavin, 23, was stabbed in the neck following a 20-minute brawl in Rochdale on May 17.
Despite medical efforts, he died in hospital.
His wife Bridget, 22, gave birth to the couple’s second child, Mary, in June - just three weeks after David’s tragic death.
The father-of-two doted on his three-year-old daughter Elizabeth, but never had the chance to show his newborn baby the same love. As their lives carry on without David, Bridget says she struggles to look at Mary without getting upset, as she is a constant reminder of what she has lost.
“I am just traumatised it is more than devastating,”
Bridget said, speaking for the first time since her husband’s death.
“It is just incredibly difficult because every time I look at her I cry because I can see him so much.
“Every plan I had for the future was with him, and now that’s been taken away from me. They haven’t just taken David’s life, they’ve taken mine too.
“I can’t even really put into words how I am feeling,” she added.
“My family are the only things getting me through it all - if I didn’t have my little girls I don’t know how I would be here.”
Officers were called to Berwick Street at around 8.55pm on May 17 following reports of a fight.
Mobile phone footage shot by onlookers showed a large group of people throwing punches.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a European arrest warrant for a woman has been executed, in relation to an on-going murder investigation.
A spokesperson said: “Following the execution of a European arrest warrant in Southern Ireland, GMP will now support the extradition process with the Irish authorities.”
A family statement released by police the week after David died read: “He was a loving, hard-working family man. Everything he did was for his wife and child.
“His three-year-old daughter Elizabeth and wife Bridget are absolutely devastated and miss him more than words can ever say.
“David was due to be a father for a second time any day and was so excited to meet his new baby and move into a new home. He has worked so hard for this and will now sadly never get the chance.
“David had so much to live for.
“His whole family absolutely heartbroken.
“His mother Elizabeth and father Martin pray the person who killed their son will face legal justice.” is