The family of a farmer who died in mysterious circumstances say they are “still looking for answers” as they launched a fresh appeal for information – seven years to the day he was found badly injured in the grounds of his home.
Sandy Ingram spotted two intruders outside his home in Newmachar, and went out to his garden to confront them.
His wife Ann found him lying motionless outside with serious head injuries. He was raced to hospital, but never fully recovered and died a year later.
Despite a massive police operation, officers have been unable to establish if he was attacked or if he simply fell.
And now, seven years to the day the 80-year-old was found, his family have urged anyone who may finally be able to tell them what happened to come forward.
Son Andrew said: “We are still hopeful that someone somewhere knows what happened to my father that night.
“The last seven years have been extremely difficult for us as a family without him here to share birthdays, Christmases and anniversaries, and even everyday life is difficult as it is always on our
minds. What makes it even harder is that we don’t know what happened to him that night and are still looking for answers.
“We often thought he was trying to tell us things when he was in hospital, but unfortunately the extent of his injuries meant he was unable to speak to us.”
Mrs Ingram found her husband unconscious after he went out to challenge the men outside his home, Elrick House, on the B979 Kinmundy-Blackburn road near Newmachar, on June 19, 2010.
Mr Ingram spent several weeks in the high-dependency unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where he underwent brain surgery.
It was hoped he would make a recovery when he was moved to the city’s Woodend Hospital and could tell police what happened.
But he never recovered and died almost a year, later on June 2, 2011.
“I’m sure there is someone out there who can help us and I would urge them to contact police and tell them what they know,” his son added.
“Even if you think the information will not be relevant, please let the police be the judge and don’t hesitate to get in touch. It is never too late.”
At the time, officers appealed for anyone with information about two people who were seen in the grounds of Mr Ingram’s home that night to come forward.
One was described as wearing a light baseball cap, which was possibly green, with a darker peak. The other was described as wearing dark clothing with dark shoulder-length hair.
They have yet to be identified.
Last night, the police officer who led the investigation at the time has made a renewed plea for witnesses to come forward.
Detective Inspector Richie Guild said: “As with all long-running inquiries we will react to any new information we receive.
“A thorough investigation was conducted at the time but we have yet to establish what happened to Mr Ingram that night.”
Anyone that can help should call 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
