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Tony Eastlake: ‘Flower Man of Islington’ killing accused is son of victim’s girlfriend, court hears

<p>Tony Eastlake </p> (PA Media)

Tony Eastlake

(PA Media)

The alleged killer of the “Flower Man of Islington” is the son of the stabbing victim’s girlfriend, the Old Bailey heard on Monday.

James Peppiatt, 21, is accused of murdering 55-year-old Tony Eastlake during an altercation near to his popular florist stall in Essex Road.

Mr Eastlake collapsed and died in the street on May 29, having been stabbed in the lower back shortly after he clocked off from work.

Peppiatt appeared via videolink from prison for a hearing at the Old Bailey on Monday morning, facing a charge of murder.

“Mr Peppiatt is aged 21, he is charged with the murder of Tony Eastlake, who was aged 55,” said prosecutor Julian Evans.

“Mr Eastlake died from a single stab wound to his back, in the area of Halliford St, N1 on May 29 this year.

“Mr Eastlake was a florist who worked in a flower store opposite Essex Road station for about 40 years. He was a very well-known member of the local community.

“He separated from his wife in around 2018 and in due course began a relationship with Alicia Callaghan, the defendant’s mother.”

The court heard Ms Callaghan, 43, took her own life on April 1 this year at her Islington home.

Hundreds of people attended a vigil for Mr Eastlake at his flower stand, Florence & Fleur, two days after his death. The florist had worked in the trade since he was 14-years-old, earning the nickname the “Flower Man of Islington”.

Peppiatt, from Islington, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 1, and was remanded in custody by Judge Simon Mayo QC.

He spoke only briefly to confirm his identity, and is due to return to court on August 23 to enter a plea to the charge of murder.

Watch: Applause for 'flower man of Islington' after stabbing death

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