Veteran loses fight for life after attack

May 15 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

A WAR veteran who suffered a savage beating in his Newcastle home has died in hospital, police revealed yesterday.

Harold Lindley, 89, was found lying in a pool of blood by his carer at home in Walker Grove, Walker, on April 16.

Mr Lindley died in hospital on Tuesday night nearly four weeks after the attack, in which he suffered cuts and bruising to his face, neck, chest and arms.

His family were yesterday comforting each other at daughter Sheila Davey’s home in Gosforth, Newcastle, and were too upset to speak to The Journal.

Police said the results of a post-mortem taking place today would determine whether two men arrested over the attack would face more serious charges.

Mr Lindley had been recovering from a stroke at his bungalow, where he had lived alone since the death of his wife Evelyn in 2004.

Police believe the great-grandfather lay overnight following the incident in which his wallet, cash and bank card were allegedly stolen.

The female carer found him crying out and covered in blood when she went to his home the following morning shortly after 10am.

He was rushed to intensive care at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary where he was put on a life support machine.

Yesterday Det Chief Insp Paul Young, heading the inquiry into the incident, said: “Mr Lindley sadly died in hospital last night.

“A post-mortem examination will be carried out and after those results we will be consulting the Crown Prosecution Service over a possible more serious charge.

“Our inquiries are continuing into the circumstances in which Mr Lindley suffered his injuries.”

Mr Lindley was a retired captain in the Green Howards regiment who had served in India, Africa and Egypt.

When he returned to civilian life he opened a plumbers’ merchants in Gosforth, and worked till the age of 70. On retirement, he left the UK for Spain where he lived for 10 years.

He suffered a stroke shortly after his wife’s death, and despite needing a stick to walk and suffering from impaired speech, he remained independent.

It is understood Mr Lindley’s relatives were at his bedside on Tuesday night.

Michael Stephenson, 20, of Westbury Avenue, Walker, has been remanded in custody by Newcastle magistrates charged with robbery and causing grievous bodily harm.

Another man, 36, was arrested on Wednesday last week in connection with the attack and was bailed pending further inquiries.