REWARD SOUGHT IN DAMIEN MYSTERY

By Richard Wright - Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Ivor Edwards, looking into the Damien Nettles case. Picture by ROBIN CROSSLEY.

AN AUTHOR who probed the Jack the Ripper murders is investigating the disappearance of Island teenager Damien Nettles.
Ivor Edwards, who wrote Jack the Ripper, Black Magic Rituals, wants to establish a six-figure reward to encourage people to bring an end to the 11-year plus mystery surrounding Damien’s disappearance.
Mr Edwards, 61, from Sandown, wants to end the misery of Damien’s mother, Valerie, now living in America, who has never given up hope for her son.
Damien was 16 when he went missing on November 2, 1996, after a night out with friends. He was last captured on CCTV in Yorkie’s fish and chip shop, in Cowes High Street, shortly before midnight.
Mrs Nettles plans to return to this country in March to create a March For The Missing, with another mother whose son disappeared more than 18 months ago.
Mrs Nettles said: “I am working with Nicki Durbin, the mother of Luke Durbin, who went missing from Ipswich, in May, 2006, to create a March For The Missing on March 12.
“Ivor Edwards is aware I cannot retain his services financially but he has told me he is still interested enough to pursue this on his own.
“I support his appeal for a reward.”
Mr Edwards has appealed to Wightlink, Red Funnel and Tesco to put up reward money he says is essential after such a long passage of time to encourage people to come forward with information.
Mr Edwards, who is critical of the police investigation and its lack of results, said: “From the people I have already spoken to there are so many unanswered questions.
“The biggest unanswered question is where is Damien? Police seem to have assumed he is dead but, to find out just what happened, evidence is needed.
“To encourage that I think £100,000 would be needed and I would welcome all offers from companies and individuals.
“I am sure we can get to the truth.”

REWARD SOUGHT IN DAMIEN MYSTERY

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