Colin Ballinger

Published: 10 August, 2012
by PETER GRUNER

THE daughter of a man from Upper Holloway – who police believe was murdered – paid a moving to tribute to her “caring father” this week.

Colin Ballinger, 66, of Iberia House, New Orleans Walk, was found unconscious by ambulance crews at his home last week. They rushed him to the Whittington Hospital, but he was pronounced dead the following day. A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as compression of the neck.

Mr Ballinger’s daughter Nicolette Ballinger, 46, said her father would be sadly missed by his son, three daughters, 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and ex-wife June Ballinger. Born in Islington he also had four sisters.

Ms Ballinger said: “He married my mother June Shurety when she was 18 and he was 19 years old and working as a railway fireman. They eloped to Gretna Green in Scotland to marry and it hit the headlines as a runaway marriage.

“He also worked as a window manufacturer until he retired.

He resided in a ex-Army hostel in Canary Wharf until he fell ill 18 months ago.

“My dad was a caring, jolly, thoughtful and considerate man who never hurt anyone in his life. He will always be lovingly remembered and stay in our hearts forever.”

• The woman accused of murdering her long-term partner at their home made no bail applications when her case came up at the Old Bailey on Friday, writes David St George.

Judge Nicholas Cooke QC could not conduct full proceedings because of a faulty video link from court to Holloway Prison where he was told that psychiatrists and medical experts are examining Joyce Violet Evans, 68.

She remains on remand in custody accused of strangling cancer-stricken Colin Ballinger, 66, at their flat in Iberia House, New Orleans Walk, Hornsey Rise.

Furniture restorer Ms Evans was not asked to enter a plea to the alleged July 31 killing, with death confirmed at the Whittington Hospital at 6.45am.

Her case was adjourned until November 14 for a fuller hearing.