Brutal Assault Leads to Tragic Stroke, Family Seeks Justice

In November 2025, an inquest into the death of Chris Linton revealed the devastating aftermath of a brutal attack that occurred nearly 15 years ago. Linton, who was just 25 years old at the time, was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked assault as he was walking home in October 2008.

The attack left Linton with severe health issues over the years, including a large pseudo-aneurysm that required emergency surgery in 2009. Despite his struggles, Linton tried to move on with his life, working as an RAC inspector and spending time with his young son. Tragically, in May 2023, Linton suffered a massive stroke and passed away at the age of 40.

An inquest last month ruled that Linton's death was an unlawful killing, directly linked to the 2008 stabbing. The hearing revealed that police had "missed opportunities" in the initial investigation, with vital evidence and witness statements lost. Shockingly, a list of named witnesses had refused to cooperate with the police, leaving Linton's family without answers.

Linton's mother, Tracey McLeod, is now pleading for justice, describing her son as a "wonderful" and "big-hearted" person who never deserved such a tragic fate. A murder investigation is now underway, with police appealing to the public for any information that could help bring closure to the family and hold the perpetrators accountable.