The mother of a teenager who was brutally murdered and dismembered nearly three decades ago has made an emotional plea, stating that the "monster" responsible for her son's death still refuses to reveal the location of his head.
A Mother's Enduring Anguish
Jean Hartley's son, Christopher, was just 17 years old when his life was tragically cut short on December 30, 1997. He was lured back to a flat in Merseyside by Stuart Diamond, who subsequently strangled and butchered the young man in a horrific act of violence.
Gruesome Discovery and Conviction
Christopher's dismembered remains were discovered in a bin at the rear of a hotel, leading to a murder investigation that resulted in Diamond's conviction. Due to his mental state, Diamond was detained under the Mental Health Act at Ashworth High Security Hospital in Maghull, rather than serving a traditional prison sentence.
Now, nearly thirty years after the crime, Jean Hartley is speaking out with renewed urgency. She is determined to ensure that Diamond remains incarcerated, expressing her profound distress that he has never disclosed where her son's head is located, adding a layer of unresolved torment to her grief.
Parole Board Review Sparks Concern
This comes as Stuart Diamond recently appeared before the Parole Board in January 2026 for a review. There is a possibility that he could be released back into the community if the panel deems it safe, a prospect that has reignited pain and fear for the victim's family.
Jean Hartley's campaign highlights the ongoing impact of violent crime on families, emphasising the need for justice and closure that extends beyond initial convictions. Her story underscores the complex interplay between mental health considerations in the justice system and the rights of victims' families to see perpetrators held accountable.
The case continues to draw attention to issues of public safety, rehabilitation, and the enduring scars left by such brutal acts, as communities and authorities grapple with balancing these factors in parole decisions.
