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Tributes pour in for Stuart

Gillian Longstaff
30/ 1/2003

A 'STAR' who would always lend a helping hand - that's how family and friends remember tragic Stuart Wallace who lost his fight for life this week.

Loved ones and pals have placed dozens of messages of love and floral tributes at the spot where 26-year-old Stuart was attacked following a night out at The Loft, in Old Street, Ashton, on January 19.

A serious head injury left the popular Ashton man clinging to life in the neurological unit at Hope Hospital where he died on Friday.
A post mortem showed he died from head injuries.

His devastated family say their hearts have been touched by his many friends whose out-pouring of grief has overwhelmed them.

Many of the cards, put together to form a book of remembrance on a tree where tragedy struck in St Michael's Square, question his senseless death and talk of his warmth and compassion for others.

A family message reads: "To a number one son. There are no words to express how we feel today, tomorrow and the rest of our lives."

Another says: "To my big brother. I will never forget your cheeky face."

His family now say they want Stuart's death to be an end to the violence on Ashton's streets which has now claimed five victims since last February.

Det Insp Derek Weaver, who's leading the investigation into Stuart's death, is still appealing for fellow clubbers to come forward.

"We believe an altercation began in the club which may have involved several people," he said.

"We would like to speak to anyone who was in the club after midnight and saw how the argument began. We are also keen to hear from anyone who was in St Michael's Square at around 1am and saw the fight taking place."

You can call Ashton CID on 0161 856 9340 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 21-year-old Openshaw man previously charged with wounding is due to be reinterviewed by police this week.

What can be done to stop the violence on Ashton's streets? Email your views to the Tameside Advertiser newspaper letters' page at tamesideadvertiser@gmwn.co.uk