A heartbroken mum is desperately fighting to keep her son’s killer behind bars. It’s been nearly three decades since Jean Hartley’s son, Christopher, was tragically murdered and dismembered by Stuart Diamond, and yet the family is still haunted by unanswered questions. Diamond was convicted after he strangled 17-year-old Christopher and disposed of his body – cruelly, his head was never found.
Despite being locked away since 1999 at Ashworth high-security hospital, Diamond could soon be eligible for parole. But Jean insists he shouldn’t be released. She points out that Diamond refuses to reveal the whereabouts of her son’s head, a detail she calls “cruel and unforgivable.”
Jean, now 73, is determined to see Diamond stay imprisoned, arguing that his lack of remorse and refusal to disclose key information should rule out any chance of freedom. “He’s only still there because I’ve refused to give up fighting for my son,” she says, vividly painting the ongoing nightmare her family endures.
The emotional toll is immense. Two of Jean’s daughters have died, unable to cope with the weight of Christopher’s loss. Jean herself continues to battle anxiety and fears about encountering her son’s killer if he were allowed to walk free.
This case highlights significant issues around parole for offenders held in psychiatric hospitals rather than traditional prisons. Jean and her family are urging for reforms, insisting that mental health treatment should not replace accountability for heinous crimes like murder.
Though Diamond claims to have completed rehabilitation treatments, Jean is sceptical, stating, “How can he be fit to live in the community if he has never been fit to be in a regular prison?”
With an online petition circulating, the Hartley family remains steadfast in seeking justice and reform. Jean is considering going to 10 Downing Street to make sure no other family experiences their ongoing anguish. “Christopher was a good lad with the most gorgeous eyes. I owe it to him to ensure this monster stays locked away.”
Our thoughts are with Christopher’s family as they continue this distressing battle.