Tue 25 Oct 2011 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Victim of an horrific murder, Stuart Walker A Scottish community is an utter state of shock after the atrocious killing of a gay barman, who is believed to have been tied to a lamppost and beaten before being set alight. The body of 28-year-old Stuart Walker was found by two members of the public in an industrial estate shortly before 5am on Saturday, in Cumnock, Ayrshire. Local police commander John Thomson has told local media: "Stuart was the subject of an extremely violent attack. I do not believe this was a random attack and I would like to reassure the public that I do not anticipate a recurrence of this attack." Mr Thomson added: "We have no distinct motive as yet but I remain optimistic we will bring the individual or individuals responsible for this crime to book sooner rather than later. There are a number of open lines of inquiry. I would also express sincere heartfelt sympathies to Stuart's family, friends and loved ones." Detectives said there was nothing at this stage to suggest it was a homophobic crime but that they were not ruling anything out. Adam Ingram, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, said the "brutal" murder had "shattered the community" He added: "Stuart was a very nice young man, very popular and well-known within the Cumnock community, and their thoughts and hearts are going out to the family at the moment.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 25th October 2011 - 9:58am