Family of John Martin 'distraught' over his death

The family of Irishman John Martin, who died after a stabbing in London on Sunday, last night (Wednesday) issued a statement saying how proud they are of him and saying they are ‘distraught’ at the circumstances surrounding his death.

Speaking on behalf of his family, who are from Donore in county Meath, local councillor Sharon Keogan said they had confirmed to her that John had donated one of his kidneys in September of last year.

They said, ‘he gave somebody else a chance of life and somebody else has come along and taken his life.’

Mr Martin (41), who was a carpenter by trade and was single, moved to England 9 years ago.  He was living in the north west London suburb of Kingsbury.

His family said, ‘we are extremely proud of his achievements in life and we ask the media to respect our privacy.  We want now to bring John home to his family and have his burial in Donore as soon as possible.’

 They also said ‘we are distraught and very upset over the circumstances surrounding John’s death.’

 John was the only son of his heart-broken parents Mary and Noel.  He is also survived by his sisters Elizabeth, Paula, Margaret and Theresa.

38 year old Darryn Madigan, of Doreen Avenue, Kingsbury, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link, charged with one count of murder yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

According to RTE news, the court heard that the men knew each other and Mr Martin was making his way home from a pub when he was attacked.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  

The close knit community of Donore is in shock and mourning at the death of John Martin, originally from St Mary’s Villas, who died in London on Sunday.

A 38-year-old man has been charged with his murder. It is understood that today would have been his 41st birthday.

He has been described as a kind and generous man and it is believed he donated a kidney to a woman he didn’t know after hearing of her plight.

Cllr Sharon Keogan said the area was in shock. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family at this very tragic time in dealing with the death of their son and brother.
“It is terrible news for any family to get,” she said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
It is believed Mr Martin had just returned from a night out with his girlfriend when the attack occurred.

A spokesperson for the London Metropolitan Police said: “Officers investigating the murder of a man in Kingsbury have named the victim as John Martin, 41, who lived in Kingsbury but was originally from Ireland.
“Detectives investigating his death, which happened on Sunday charged a man with his murder on Monday.”
Darryn Madigan of Doreen Avenue appeared in custody at Hendon Magistrates’ Court  and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey today.