A MAN was remanded into custody today in connection with the death of an alleged assault victim in south Belfast.
Edward James Kelly (30) of Felt Street in Belfast appeared before the city's magistrates court to be charged with the manslaughter of David Conville.
The 34-year-old victim sustained injuries during a suspected serious assault in the Abingdon Drive area on Friday, according to police.
Kelly was initially accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Conville, but the charge was changed to manslaughter after the victim died in hospital. Kelly did not seek bail and was remanded in custody to appear again by video-link next month.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Conville, who was from south Belfast, with many describing him as a "true gentleman" and others taking about the "heartache and devastation".
He is believed to have been from the Donegall Road area and had two children.
SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole also offered his condolences to his family and friends.
"It is never easy to lose a loved one and I can only imagine what they are going through given these tragic circumstances," he said.
"There is no place for violence within our community, this incident shows the extreme consequences attacks of this nature can have and I’d ask anyone involved in this kind of activity to stop at once and think about what they are doing.
"This attack has cost a young man his life and deprived a family of their loved one."
Police last night also reiterated their appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
Detective chief inspector Neil McGuinness said: "The assault took place at approximately 8pm outside an address in Abingdon Drive on Friday 27 May.
"Officers attended, along with colleagues from the NI Ambulance Service, and David was taken to hospital having sustained a serious head injury. Tragically, he passed away in the early hours of this morning, Monday 30 May. Our enquiries continue and I would reiterate our appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
"If you were in the area around that time on Friday and if you saw or heard anything untoward, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please get in touch."
