THE mother of a tragic Scot murdered in Spain on a stag weekend has died – days before her 49th birthday and without knowing what happened to her son.
Craig Mallon died in 2012 after he was punched once in the head by a mystery assailant in front of numerous witnesses in a busy street.
His mother, Antoinette Mallon, never gave up hope of finding out who killed her son Craig, 26, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.
But it emerged today (mon) – on what would have been her 49th birthday – that Mrs Mallon died on Friday.
The Craig Mallon Appeal Facebook stated: “It is so sad that Craig’s mum Antoinette Mallon has passed away.
“Surrounded by her loving husband Ian, her sisters and family, Antoinette passed away on Friday 6th April 2018 after a short illness.
“Born on 9th April 1969, Antoinette would have been 49 today.
“Ian Mallon and the family who are grateful to the media for amazing support they have received and continue to receive regarding Craig’s unresolved murder request that their privacy is respected in the forthcoming difficult days ahead.
“On behalf of Antoinette’s family, thanks everyone for your understanding and empathy.”
The post was written by David Swindle, a private investigator who examined the case for the family.
Among those to pay tribute online was Lynn Nimmo, who wrote: “Thinking about you all at this very sad time. God bless your family.”
Lorraine Crossan added: “A family friend for many many years, she will be sadly missed. Her life was never the same since she lost her boy.”
Ashley Penny Marshall commented: “It’s a shame that she left us without knowing what happened to her son, but at least she’s with him and at peace. No more hurt and pain and torture. Rest in peace.”
Leeann Martin wrote: “She’s now in the arms of her beautiful boy. May they both rest in peace. My heart breaks for all the family.”
Craig was punched to the side of the head and collapsed to the ground while on his step brother’s stag weekend in Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava.
Craig had only been in the resort for seven hours when he was assaulted in the street in an unprovoked attack outside Rockefellers Nightclub.
Spanish Police have still not made any arrests and it has been claimed that the investigation has been slow and that Craig’s family were kept out of the loop.
In 2016 Antoinette made a public appeal for any information relating to Craig’s death. She said: “I keep saying in our desperate appeals for the truth that the person who inflicted the fatal punch may not have been aware of what he did or did not intend to kill my beloved son.
“However, until he is traced we will never know that.
“There were lots of people in the street who have not been identified and so many unanswered questions that, four years on, we cling to the hope that we will get answers. We remain hopeful and determined to push the Spanish authorities for answers.”
In May last year, private investigator Mr Swindle released CCTV footage that he had unearthed while looking for clues into Craig’s death.
The footage is thought to have been of vital witnesses to Craig’s murder who were in the area.
The CCTV showed four French men who Swindle believes had their car towed from a street near the scene of Craig’s murder.
Mr Swindle is renowned for his part in the investigation of ruthless serial killer Peter Tobin.
He was one of the officers called to St Patrick’s RC Church in Glasgow in September 2006 after the body of Polish woman Angelika Kluk was found hidden under the floorboards.
After discovering a DNA link to Tobin, Mr Swindle then launched Operation Anagram in search of other victims.
