No proven link of assault to Chasetown murder

Jul 15 2010 Janet Lee

Police keep 'open mind' over Chasewater assault rumour

Police are ‘keeping an open mind’ over rumours that a violent assault at a well-known beauty spot is linked the shooting of a Chasetown man.

But they stressed there is nothing to suggest, at this stage, the incidents are related

A police source told The Post that, at this stage, there is nothing to back claims the violent incident has links with the killing of Richard Deakin.

He spoke to The Post following claims within the community and on social network sites that the badly beaten man was tortured.

Facebook is full of speculation that the violence is in some way related to the murder of 27-year-old Richard Deakin who was shot at his Chasetown home last Monday.

And while Facebook members are screaming out for more information, police say they have nothing to release this week on either incident. They confirm an individual was assaulted on wasteland near Chasewater, but, at this stage, don’t believe it is linked to the murder. They have declined to go into details on the nature of that assault.

Police have confirmed only that they were ‘called to wasteland near Chasewater on July 1 (four days before the shooting) after reports of a man being badly beaten’.

“Officers are keeping an open mind,” a police spokesman said.

The victim has not been identified.

But having two horrific incidents in one week has sparked alarm.

“Nowhere is safe any more,” one Facebook user said.

Another posted the comment: “No-one wants to hear or cause rumours, but at the same time people are genuinely concerned.”

And another: “It’s weird how these two very major, devastating and disgusting things happened in a matter of four days.”

There are also numerous tributes to murder victim Mr Deakin and expressions of sympathy for his family.

One close friend comments: “Rich was funny, kind, loving and a great friend, partner and father to his girls.”

Mr Deakin’s mum Carol Deakin has also posted a response thanking people for their ‘lovely messages’ and pleading for people to help find her son’s killers.

“I loved my son so much. He was my life, my world, and every day he will walk beside me and Megan and his girls,” she said. “Please please help if you can.”

Mr Deakin, who ran a skip hire company, lived at Meadway Street with his wife Megan and two daughters.

Witnesses say two men wearing balaclavas entered his home at about 8.30am on Monday, July 5, as his wife took the children to school. Mr Deakin died from a shotgun wound to the chest.

The getaway car, a black Corsa, was found nearby in Hammerwich and is being forensically examined.

Police have not revealed any more information about what type of gun was used or whether they are any further forward in their investigations.

If anyone has any information on either incident ring the police on 0300 123 44 55 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.