Joel Raymond Page, 33, of North Adelaide, pleads guilty to manslaughter of grandfather Francesco Candido, 89, as son tells of heartbreak

Francesco Candido, 89, was minding his own business on Grote Street when he was attacked from behind and killed. But his son says no verdict can end his family’s pain.

A man who caused the death of an elderly grandfather in an unprovoked attack in Adelaide’s CBD has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a court has heard, as the victim’s heartbroken son says his family “never got over it”.

Francesco Candido, 89, of West Croydon was walking along Grote St in the afternoon of September 7 when he was punched and knocked to the ground.

He suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain and died in hospital almost two weeks after the unprovoked attack.

Francesco Candido was attacked on September 7. Picture: Supplied by family

Mr Candido’s son said he was a generous man. Picture: Supplied by family

Joel Raymond Page, 33, of North Adelaide, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday via video link to plead guilty to the “unlawful killing” of Mr Candido “by an unlawful and dangerous act”.

Mr Candido’s son, Larry Candido, 59, of West Croydon, said a large part of him died the same night his father did.

“The guy that killed him that night, he killed all of us – six of us – at least emotionally,” he said.

Mr Candido is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons, as well as grandchildren.

The family remains “pretty angry” as they attempt to grapple with the unexpected death of their beloved patriarch.

Francesco Candido with daughter Rina Candido (left) and son Larry Candido (right). Picture: Supplied by family

“If it was an accident, I probably would’ve forgiven the guy,” Mr Candido said. “That day, he targeted an innocent old man, that’s a true coward.”

At his first court appearance, a week after the attack, Mr Page had told the court he was intoxicated at the time of the incident and could not remember what happened.

Mr Page returns to court next month to begin the sentencing process in the Supreme Court.

Mr Candido welcomed anyone who wished to come to his father’s funeral at St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church at Croydon Park next Thursday.

He said a live stream would be available for those who were unable to attend the service.