Fresh appeal to find those responsible for brutal murder of pensioner in 1980s
A fresh appeal to find those responsible for the brutal murder of a pensioner more than four decades ago has been issued.Esme Hoad was found dead in her home in Havelock Road, Tonbridge, on December 8, 1982, after concerned neighbours reported she had not been seen for several days.E-fits of two suspects at the time. Picture: Kent PoliceThe 85-year-old who lived alone was killed after an intruder entered her home and repeatedly beat her around the head with a blunt instrument. She was also stabbed in the chest.There were no signs of forced entry, but a significant amount of blood was found at the scene, and officers recovered a distinctive shoe mark believed to have been made by a Banana boot.One of the lines of inquiry in the investigation surrounded an unknown couple, who were believed to have been regular visitors to the victim’s address and who travelled in a blue Mini Traveller.They were thought to have had an interest in acquiring antiques, and following the murder, it was suspected that several items may have been missing from Esme’s home. Media appeals at the time included efforts to find them, including porcelain figures of a young girl and a tiger ready to pounce. A brass lamp was also suspected of being missing.A picture of her house taken by Kent Police. Picture: Kent Police/CrimestoppersA footprint was found at the scene. Picture: Kent PoliceThe couple and their car were never identified, and an extensive investigation found no evidence to confirm they had anything to do with Esme’s murder, or indeed that any antique items had been stolen.The case was never closed, and officers are continuing to appeal for any information that could help solve it and bring her killer to justice. Detective Inspector Lee Neiles said: “Esme Hoad was a much-loved member of her community, and the brutality of her murder shocked the whole town.“More than 40 years have passed, but time does not diminish our determination to find the person responsible.“We believe someone out there knows what happened, and even the smallest piece of information could be the key to unlocking this case.A scene shot from 1982. Picture: Kent PoliceThe model of the car that was suspected to be involved. Picture: Kent Police“If you have any information about this case, including about the couple linked to a blue Mini Traveller or the antiques suspected to be missing, please come forward.“Your information could finally help us deliver justice for Esme and closure for those who cared about her.”The independent charity Crimestoppers is also offering up to £20,000 for information it exclusively receives that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.South East regional manager at Crimestoppers, Phil Breckon, said: “Esme was an older woman who should have felt safe in her own home.“We know that time can bring new perspectives and that loyalties or relationships may have changed. Even the smallest detail could be the missing piece that helps find Esme’s killer.“If you have information but feel unable to speak directly to the police, please contact Crimestoppers. You can tell our charity what you know whilst staying completely anonymous.” If you have information which may assist the investigation, call Kent Police 01303 289600 quoting AC/1400/82. You can also provide information through its online portal, here.You can also contact Crimestoppers either online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555111.The reward is available for three months and will only be payable for information passed directly to the charity, and a reward code must be requested at the initial contact.
