THE teenage stepson of murdered Jock Straiton is pleading with police to find his dad’s third killer.

Adam Gerrard, 17, contacted The Chronicle after we published a story last week calling for the case to be reopened.

Sunday, August 9, marks the first anniversary of the day 59-year-old Mr Straiton, whose real name was James, died.

He had been attacked outside his home on Park Road in Winnington two weeks earlier.

Nigel Goolding and Joshua Spruce, both now 20, are serving life sentences after being convicted of murder at Chester Crown Court in April.

Wincham man Paul Blower, also 20, was found not guilty and freed after eight months in custody.

Adam, who lives in Barnton, said: “Even the judge said there was a third man involved, but the police won’t reopen the case. Why? I don’t understand.

“I’m going to try my hardest to get them to reopen it, and try to get them to find the third man that jumped on my dad’s head.

“It is sickening to think someone has done such a thing and the police just sit back and don’t seem to care.”

Adam claims justice will only be done to his stepdad when the third killer is caught and punished.

“I never had a dad and when I was around a year old James came into my life,” he said. “When I was around 12-years-old I found out he wasn’t my biological dad, but it only made us become closer.

“I can’t stand the thought one of his killers is walking the streets. It’s not right.”

Cheshire Constabulary issued the following statement in response: “No new evidence has come to light since the conclusion of the trial or since Jock’s death that would enable police to further enquiries into this investigation, or arrest any other individuals.

“A thorough and meticulous criminal investigation was conducted following Jock’s death. Every line of enquiry was explored, and a complete file of evidence presented to the court. Two men were convicted of murder, a third acquitted.

“It is worth noting that Judge Roderick Evans passed comment at the point of sentencing, saying: ‘There were a number of witnesses who said they saw and heard nothing when they clearly did. They said they couldn’t remember anything when the events of that night would have been seared on their memories. Those people will have a long time to consider’.”

The statement concluded: “Our thoughts have always been with the family of Jock, who were supported throughout the criminal investigation and during the trial by a Family Liaison Officer, and we fully understand and sympathise with their loss.

“Should anyone feel they have any new information regarding the circumstances resulting in Jock’s death, we would urge them to contact police. Every piece of information passed to the Major Investigation Team will be looked into. Information can be passed to Police on 0845 4580000 or anonymously via the Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555111.”