Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
OUR WORLD IS CAVING IN
Sister’s plea for Robert, 42, to get in touch
THE desperate sister of a missing man has issued an emotional appeal a week after his disappearance.
Robert Holmes, 42, was last seen in the Lakeview Avenue area of Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, last Wednesday.
Police and rescue services and his relatives have been looking for him since.
Joanne Clarke said: “I am hoping Robert will read this and know the love his family has for him. Our world is caving in.”
THE sister of missing man Robert Holmes has said their family’s “world is caving in”.
Joanne Clarke, 48, admitted she is becoming increasingly desperate a week after her only brother was last seen.
She added his disappearance had bewildered their parents and Robert’s three children to whom he is a “great daddy”.
The 42-year-old was living in Ballysillan area of North Belfast but was last seen near Joanne’s home in the Lakeview Avenue area of Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, shortly after 12.50pm last Wednesday.
She said: “I am hoping Robert will read this and know the love his family has for him.
“We are a small close-knit family who rely on each other. We are devastated. We can’t even express the tragedy. Our world is caving in.”
Joanne said they were not immediately alarmed when Robert went missing because he often went for long walks “to clear his head” at Cave Hill.
But she said became concerned “as the day went on and he did not come back”.
Joanne revealed Robert, a labourer who enjoying songwriting, had recently started a new job, made great friends and joined a new walking group, which had recently visited Murlough Bay, Co Antrim.
CHARISMA
She said: “He told the rest of the group he couldn’t wait to take his children there.
“He had just written three new songs and started a job where he had struck up a great friendship.
“Robert had such charisma he made a great impact on people. We are trying to protect his children but this has had a huge impact on their lives.
“He is my mummy’s world and my daddy’s too. He is my baby brother.” Joanne has urged anyone with CCTV in the Ballysillan and Newtownabbey areas to hand in last Wednesday’s footage to police in the hope its helps find Robert.
PSNI Supt Darrin Jones said: “Robert is 6ft, of slim build with blue eyes, dirty fair hair and stubble.
“He was believed to have been wearing a dark, waterproof coat, a grey/black hooded top and a green beanie style hat.
“His family and friends are extremely worried about him.
“Robert if you read or hear this appeal, please get in touch with your family or with us.
“I would also appeal to anyone who has seen Robert, or knows of his current whereabouts, to call us on 101.”
I am hoping Robert will read this & know the love we have for him JOANNE CLARKE CO ANTRIM YESTERDAY