Fresh appeal over disappearance of man 20 years ago

DETECTIVES have issued a fresh appeal following a Glasgow man’s 20-year disappearance. Joseph Connelly was 50-years-old when he was last seen in April 2002. He would recently have turned 70. Earlier this month, the Glasgow Times reported his family feared their “gentle” brother had been “murdered”.

Shortly before Joseph went missing, he attended a family wedding in Letterkenny, Republic of Ireland, on Saturday, April 6, 2002, where he was described as “unusually subdued”.

Police say he returned to Glasgow with his brother and went to his home on Calder Street, in the Southside, but has not been seen since.

Joseph was known to travel and it was not unusual for him to be out of contact with family for long spells.

However, he would be in touch on birthdays and Christmas. He was reported missing after Christmas 2002 when his family did not hear from him. Extensive inquiries were carried out at the time but officers have renewed an appeal more than 20 years later.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, Joseph’s sister Caroline Armour said: “Not knowing where Joseph is or what happened to him is torment, and we cannot begin to describe the pain and anguish we have felt since he disappeared 20 years ago.

“We continue to hope that one day we will receive information that could help us bring Joseph home.”

When speaking to the Glasgow Times on April 16, Caroline described her brother as “the life and soul of the party”. She said: “We were told he may have been murdered, the police never found any answers to prove if this was true but we think it is possible.”

Detective sergeant Ally Donaldson said: “Our inquiries continue and we are reviewing material available from previous inquiries. While we do this, I would urge anyone who knew Joseph or believes they may have information to get in touch.”