Assault victim dies just 3 months after his mum

Published on Friday 12 March 2010 09:29

A YOUNG bank worker has died two weeks after a street attack and just three months after his mother lost her battle with cancer.

Brian Lawrie suffered a serious head wound and was left in a coma after allegedly being assaulted in Musselburgh and died at the Western General Hospital this week.

The 22-year-old's family are now coping with a double tragedy as they were already grieving the loss of his mother, Karen, who died in December.

Tributes were paid today to Mr Lawrie, a keen fisherman and Rangers fan, who was described as a "really bubbly, friendly guy".

Police said a post-mortem examination would be carried out to establish the "circumstances surrounding his death".

A 28-year-old man has already appeared in court in connection with the alleged assault outside the Wiremill Social Club in Balcarres Road on 21 February.

Mr Lawrie, who lived in Musselburgh, worked as a teller at the Jock's Lodge branch of the Bank of Scotland.

The former Musselburgh Grammar pupil was also highly-regarded in the Scottish fishing community after winning tournaments in the UK and Ireland.

A keen horse rider, he was part of the official party for Musselburgh's 2008 Honest Lad and Lass gala celebrations, taking part in a number of events.

His fellow attendant, Lachlan Thomson, 23, a sports centre lifeguard, said: "I knew him at school but we really became friends when we went for Honest Lad. I got to know him well as we basically spent that whole summer together. The whole community is shocked."

Andrew Gordon, chairman of the Honest Toun Association (HTA), said: "Brian was always someone who liked having a good time and making sure that other people did, too. He was always ready with a joke to tell."

Stefanie Talac, secretary of the HTA, added: "It's a very sad time. Everyone involved is very upset over what has happened.

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Mr Lawrie's father and mother were also long-time supporters and members of the HTA.

His father, Brian, is a builder and tradesman in East Lothian.

Musselburgh councillor John Williamson said: "Any death in those circumstances is a tragedy, but particularly when the person is so young and the fact his mother passed away so recently."

A police spokesman said:

"Lothian and Borders Police can confirm the death of a 22-year-old man at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

"The man had been receiving treatment as a result of injuries sustained during an alleged assault that happened outside the Wiremill Social Club in Musselburgh on 21 February.

"A 28-year-old man appeared at Haddington Sheriff Court on 23 February in connection with this incident, and was bailed to appear at a later date.

"A post-mortem will be held in respect of the deceased."