Attack injury in 2002 may have caused man's death

Leon Adams was brutally attacked in 2002 and the injuries he sustained may have contributed to his death, an inquest has heard

The injuries a man sustained after a brutal attack 23 years ago may have led to his death, an inquest has heard.

Leon Adams, who was 24 at the time, was found unconscious near Grangetown railway station, Cardiff, in the early hours of 14 February 2002.

He spent two years in a coma and when he woke he was quadriplegic, struggled to communicate and needed constant care before dying on 26 December 2024.

A post-mortem investigation found his cause of death to be septicaemia with a contributory factor of acute kidney injuries and spastic tetraplegia due to traumatic brain injury, South Wales Coroner's Court in Pontypridd was told.

Coroner Graeme Hughes said: "I have reason to suspect Mr Adams' death is due to trauma, therefore that triggers a continuing investigation."

Once initial evidence has been gathered, there will be a pre-inquest review in the summer.

Mr Hughes offered his condolences to Mr Adams' family and friends.

Leon Adams was attacked on 14 February 2002

Mr Adams had left The Cottage pub on St Mary Street in Cardiff city centre, where he worked as a barman, at about 23:45 GMT on 13 February 2002.

Police at the time said he would have been carrying his wages, but no money was on him when he was found early the next morning.

Mr Adams was seen on CCTV in the city centre at about 02:00 GMT, but was found lying on the ground at 05:10 covered in blood with swelling around his face.

In 2018, a £10,000 reward was offered to help catch whoever was responsible, but no-one has ever been found.