Paralysed Leeds street mugging victim dies, three years on

Graham Murray, 38, was left severely disabled after being repeatedly stamped on by the 15-year-old in the Osmondthorpe district, in 2008.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was locked up for four months on a charge of wounding.

But today, Mr Murray’s mother Janet said she wanted “proper justice” and pleaded for an end to the street violence which killed her only son.

She said: “No matter what I say I can never have my son back, but I just want some justice for him.

“I wish people who use such violence would realise the harm they are doing. Graham would never fight back, he was gentle.”

Mr Murray was attacked and robbed of his shopping as he walked in Osmondthorpe Lane on June 24, 2008.

He was taken to St James’s Hospital but discharged himself after five hours. He went to the home he shared with his uncle and spent two days in bed. His speech was slurred but the extent of his injuries not clear, said his mother.

Days later he collapsed and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

His mother and sisters were horrified to see Mr Murray’s head was hugely swollen. Parts of his skull had been removed to drain blood clots.

The family were told Mr Murray was in a deep coma with severe brain damage.

He eventually regained consciousness but was left paralysed and unable to speak and had to be fed through a tube.

Mr Murray developed a chest infection last month. In hospital he rapidly deteriorated and died on September 17.

Detectives are now re-examining the case to determine whether further charges should be brought.