My son's killer is still out there living the life Robert should have had

The mum of a man who lost his life after being punched at a music festival has made a heartfelt vow to secure justice for her son on the tenth anniversary of his death.

Elaine Hart's son, Robert Hart, died following an assault by an unknown assailant during a dispute at Parklife Festival in Heaton Park, Manchester, back in June 2014.

Despite Greater Manchester Police (GMP) offering a £50,000 reward earlier for information, his killer remains at large.

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On the anniversary since her son's death today, June 11, Elaine, 75, issued an emotional appeal for witnesses or anyone with knowledge of the incident to step forward.

Elaine said: "Every single day - I just ask why? His killer is still out there, enjoying his life - maybe he's travelling or has a family - and he's living the life that Robert should be living. He took that life away."

She continued: "Please, if you have any information that would help - contact the police because it's now been ten years."

Elaine opened up about the unrelenting pain her family endures, saying, "You have no idea of what me and my family have been going through."

For Elaine, life has irrevocably changed; it's a mere existence haunted by constant memories of 26-year-oldRobert.

She continued: "Nothing changes, life goes on but it's not the same. He never leaves my thoughts and my mind - I think my boy should still be here."

The incident occurred as Robert stood with his girlfriend, waiting for Snoop Dogg's on the main stage, when an inflatable doll struck her face. An fight broke out leading to Robert being knocked unconscious; however, he was revived after receiving CPR.

Tragically, the extent of the injuries Robert suffered in the assault proved to be more severe than initially thought, and he was rushed to hospital, where he passed away on June 11.

Elaine said: "My son went that weekend to enjoy himself - they didn't go to cause any trouble and they didn't go to be aggressive. They went to listen to music and to enjoy the weekend and Robert never came home.

"He now lies in Macclesfield Cemetery but he should not be here - living his life just like the man who attacked him."

The assailant is described as a mixed-race male in his mid-20s, standing between 6ft and 6ft 2in tall, with a muscular build and short, dark hair that was shaved at the sides. He may have been accompanied by an unidentified white female in her mid-20s, with blonde hair reaching her shoulders, about 5ft 7ins tall, possibly wearing a pink T-shirt.

Elaine said: "He apparently walked away from the crowd, with a blonde-haired girlfriend who pulled him away. He didn't say - he walked away after punching Robert. He saw him hit in the ground and he walked away."

"The crowd went to help Robert and he walked away. Witnesses say they saw him later on but he went somewhere that night and got up the following morning and the day after that and the week after that. There's no question that people do know who he is."

Elaine, from Macclesfield, continued: "The memories of Robert, and how much I loved him and how much he loved me help me get through life. The only way is to remember such a kind person, who was helpful."

"Everybody loved Robert and everybody thought he was such a lovely person - he wasn't aggressive. He was always happy to help people and loved meeting people and he loved life - that's what he loved, he loved life."

Detectives are calling on the public to come forward with any information they might have.

DI Madeline Kelly stated: "Even though this terrible incident was almost 10 years ago, it will still be fresh in the minds of many people, especially Robert's family and people who were at Parklife. Despite the passing of time, the heartache felt by Robert's family has not faded."

"Just as we were in 2014, we are determined to catch the person responsible which is why we are appealing for the assistance of the public. We are appealing for people to dig deep into their consciences if you were one of the people involved on the day we would urge you to come forward."

"No-one went to the festival that weekend with thoughts of violence."

You can send information via a dedicated email address HelpBobby@gmp. police.uk or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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