Detectives investigating the death of a man 10 years after an assault which left him paraplegic have arrested a 61-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

Stuart Coldicott, then aged 36, suffered a serious head injury in Colchester on February 11, 2014, leaving him paralyzed and requiring daily care until his death in March this year.

The autopsy showed a link between the head trauma and his death, and a new police investigation was opened.

Detective Inspector Lydia George, of Essex Police, said: “The injuries Stuart suffered in 2014 have had a significant and lasting impact on him and of course his family, who continue to live with this impact until now. ‘to this day.

“When Stuart died and a causal link to the head injury on February 11, 2014 was established, we began treating his death as a homicide and our new investigation was launched.

“And as part of that investigation, we arrested a man this morning on suspicion of murder, and he remains in custody for questioning.

“We will also speak to a number of people we consider to be witnesses to gather additional information and testimony.”

The initial investigation into Mr Coldicott’s injury revealed he had been seen in the Barrack Street and Harsnett Road areas of Colchester with a number of cuts and bruises to his face between December 2013 and February 2014.

Police were unable to prove that the injury that left him paraplegic was due to an assault by a specific person, although they found evidence of an assault that occurred before February 11 for which a man was found guilty.

Mr Coldicott’s family said in a statement released by Essex Police: “Stewie Coldicott was 46 years old when he tragically died in March 2024.

“Stewie was a much loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, son and friend to all who knew him.

“Stewie suffered a serious head injury, which left him paraplegic.

“Even though this horrible incident happened to him, he never lost his naughty sense of humor which made everyone smile.

“No one could replace him and he will always be in our hearts.

“Stewie will be greatly missed by all family members and friends and our mischievous family member is gone from this world but not from our hearts.

“The family asks to be left alone and to be able to grieve during these very difficult times.”