Second man charged over death of dad
TRIBUTES TO 31-YEAR-OLD FOUND FATALLY INJURED IN STREET
A SECOND man has been charged in connection with the death of a man who was found fatally injured in a Derbyshire street.
Ricky Collins was found in Westthorpe Road, Killamarsh, on Monday, March 29. He died later in hospital. It is understood that he suffered fatal stab wounds.
His death has left family and friends heartbroken, with close friends describing him as a man with “a heart of gold”.
On Saturday, Derbyshire police confirmed a 43-year-old man from Sheffield had been charged with assisting an offender following the incident. His name has not been released.
A 16-year-old boy who had been arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Now a second man has been charged in relation to the incident.
Martin Mongan, 44, of Park Estate, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, has been charged with assisting an offender after being arrested on Friday.
He was due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court today.
The death of the 31-year-old has prompted an outpouring of grief, with friends describing him as a big man with a “heart of gold”.
Mr Collins, who ran his own van company, leaves behind a young son.
His best friend Willy Collins, who is no relation, told Yorkshire Live he was like a brother to him. “Even though we had the same name, he said he was a different Collins, and laughed,” he said. “He was his own man. He was a big personality, a really funny guy. Some used to call him ‘Big Sexy.’ He was a bit of a womaniser.
“At the same time, he had a heart of gold. He was a very caring, funny, good person. He adored and lived for his son.”
He added that while Mr Collins had been “wild” a few years ago, he had since turned his life around and settled down by setting up his business and having a son.
He said: “I am really heartbroken and deflated. He was like a brother figure to me. I really miss his laugh and personality.
“He was always smiling. He was always happy. I will miss being around him. Sheffield has lost a really nice guy and a big personality.”
He added that when lockdown restrictions are eased further, family and friends will come together to give him a “good send-off ”. “We are all going to come together and give him a good send-off with his friends,” he said. “Everyone loved Ricky Collins. He did not have enemies, just friends. He had his own van and company. He was doing very well. No one knew where he lived, he was very quiet about it.” Since Mr Collins’ death, a fundraising page has been set up which has raised over £2,400 in just two days. On the page it says: “We’ve all woke up this morning to the most saddest news possible you were taken away far to soon a loving son, dad and partner.
“This is to try and make saying goodbye the biggest celebration we can and to take the pressure away from your loved ones.
“You will be truly missed by so many we love You RIP BIG RICK xxxx.”
Detective chief inspector Sally Blaiklock, who is overseeing the investigation for Derbyshire police, said the investigation was still continuing. She said: “Although our investigation into Mr Collins’ death is in its early stages, we have now charged two men with assisting an offender.
“We have worked closely with our colleagues in South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, as well as other forces, and there are no borders we will not cross to pursue people we want to speak to.
“We are still looking for a number of people in connection with the incident and I would like to take this opportunity to urge people who may be able to help us trace them, to get in touch now.
“You can also pass information completely anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.”
He was always smiling. He was always happy. I will miss being around him.
Friend Willy Collins