£50,000 to find tattooed killer: one of Britain’s most wanted
A MURDER victim’s mother pleaded yesterday for help in tracking down one of Britain’s most-wanted men – her son’s suspected killer.
Tracey Hanson spoke out on the second anniversary of 21-year-old Josh Hanson’s death to tell of her “living nightmare” over the unsolved case.
As detectives offered a £50,000 reward for information she said she is seeking “justice so we can grieve in peace”.
Road planner Josh bled to death after he was stabbed in the neck in front of 40 people at a bar in Hillingdon, north-west London, in 2015. Shane O’Brien, 28, of Ladbroke Grove, west London, was named as a suspect by Scotland Yard three days later.
He went on the run and has since changed his appearance, including getting a large new tattoo on his back.
He now appears on the National Crime Agency’s top 12 list of wanted suspects.
Police fear he may be living abroad after he was arrested for assault and criminal damage in the Czech Republic’s capital, Prague, in February, using false papers and the Italian alias Enzo Mellonceli.
He was freed on bail but an image taken by Czech police shows the 6ft tall muscular suspect has grown his hair, has a full beard and the distinctive new owl tattoo covering his back.
Mrs Hanson said yesterday: “These past 24 months have been a living nightmare, a nightmare that I would not wish on anyone.
“While we grieve, Shane O’Brien has yet to be caught and we still wait for justice – justice for the most heinous crime that my son had to endure and justice to ensure that innocent people are safe.
“I hope and pray that it never becomes your reality because it rips at your soul and your very being.
“Please can you help us. Josh leaves behind a sister and a family who miss and love him very much.
“All it takes is that one phone call to help us get justice so we can grieve in peace.”
Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh urged anyone with information to call police on 020 8785 8099 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.