Parents tell of gentle son killed in 'heinous' attack

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY: Paul Irons was found beaten and concealed in a Featherston park. He later died in hospital. Inset: Brother Dave and parents Maureen and Jack Irons mourn Paul.

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A sickness beneficiary who died after what police called a heinous, random and brutal beating was a gentle, simple man who would harm no one, his mother says.

Paul Richard Bernard Irons, 36, of Featherston, died in Wellington Hospital's intensive care unit on Tuesday night after suffering serious head and chest injuries last Thursday in a township park.

Mr Irons, described by parents Jack and Maureen as "a kind-hearted likeable lad", was found by a bus driver, unconscious and concealed in bush.

He was so badly beaten that his parents could not recognise him.

Despite initial optimism from family and medical staff that his situation would improve, life support was turned off on Tuesday.

Mr Irons' parents said the death of their youngest child was a blow to the whole community.

"Everybody liked him, he was so happy-go-lucky. He was the kind of man who was always willing to help everyone and he never saw any bad in anyone. Everyone in the community knew him and loved him," Mrs Irons said.

The family was still looking for an answer as to why he was a victim.

"He always steered clear of trouble. He had his jaw broken in an attack three years ago and from the pain and suffering he went through then, he just kept away from troublemakers.

"We can't understand why him?"

Mr Irons was unmarried and had no children, but was well known around Featherston.

Three males, aged 15, 17 and 25, have been jointly charged with assault in relation to the attack. They appeared in the Youth Court in Masterton yesterday.

The three were all granted name suppression. The 25-year-old was further remanded in custody where he has remained since his first appearance on Saturday.

There was no application made for his bail. The 17-year-old was freed on bail under a 24-hour curfew, as was the 15-year-old.

All three are to reappear on October 23, when further charges are likely to be laid.

- © Fairfax NZ News