Thursday, March 20, 2014

Gerard Williams stable in hospital as three are released in Whinney Banks attack probe


Gerard Williams was hit 20 to 30 times with a 'wooden implement' during the attack, suffering fractures to his skull, arms and legs





Three people arrested in connection with a savage attack which left a dad with serious injuries have been released without charge.


Gerard Williams, 42, was hit 20 to 30 times with a “wooden implement” during the attack on Weatherhead Avenue, Whinney Banks, Middlesbrough, on January 30.


He suffered fractures to his skull, arms and legs and was initially put in an induced coma.


Mr Williams, who has three adult children, today remains in James Cook University Hospital more than than three months after the assault.


However, he is now out of the coma and in a stable condition.


Six people have been arrested in connection with the crime so far.


Cleveland Police yesterday confirmed that a man in his late teens, a 23-year-old woman and a man in his forties have been released without charge.


A 39-year-old man arrested on suspicion of wounding, and two women aged 32 and 37 - one arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding and the other on suspicion of conspiracy to commit section 18 wounding - remain on police bail pending further inquiries.


Detectives are continuing to investigate the “savage beating” and are still appealing for witnesses to come forward.


Officers returned to the scene of the crime last month in an attempt to piece together details about the attack.


Posters have been put up on lampposts and in shops to encourage more people to contact them.


Police have said the “wooden implement” used in the attack could have been a baseball bat, hockey stick or cricket bat.


Investigators have been left disappointed with the response from the public after appealing for information.


Speaking last month, Det Supt Rob Donaghy said: “We are continuing to make progress with our inquiries, but I firmly believe there are people within the Whinney Banks community who are not telling us what they know and I would urge them to come forward.


“Gerard Williams is well known in this area. Whatever people may think personally of him, he didn’t deserve the savage beating he got. This person could have been your brother, your son, your husband. He didn’t deserve this.”


He added: “We have been disappointed with the public’s support so far.”


Police said they had a number of responses to their renewed appeal but are still calling on people to come forward.


Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.



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