A £6,000 reward is being offered for information in connection with a violent robbery on a 63-year-old Nelson man.
At around 9.30pm on Thursday September 12, 2013, local man David Rees was walking along Shingrig Road, in Nelson, when he was attacked from behind.
The well-respected and hard-working man suffered serious head and facial injuries which required treatment in intensive care. Mr Rees continues to make a slow recovery, but the attack has left him with life-changing injuries.
A quantity of cash was stolen from Mr Rees along with his mobile phone and business documents. These items were in an Asda carrier bag.
Since the attack, charity Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £3,000 for information which leads to a conviction. Mr Rees has now matched this figure bringing the reward total to £6,000.
An E-FIT of the attacker has been released and detectives are appealing for anyone who may have information about the robbery, or who may recognise the face, to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Detective Sergeant Mike Richards, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a particularly cowardly and violent attack which has left a popular hard working family man with serious injuries.
“The attack has taken its toll not only on the victim but also on his family. Mr Rees is devoted to his grandson and liked nothing better than spending time with him and taking him swimming or playing in the park. Sadly since the attack he has been unable to do this which has caused him and his young grandson additional distress.
“The attack has also affected Mr Rees’ ability to work and has affected his catering business which over the years he built up from scratch.
“Whilst Mr Rees is determined for the person responsible for attacking him to be brought to justice, he is also anxious that attacker is identified so no one else has to go through what he and his family have had to endure.
“I’m appealing to anyone who may have any information, no matter how unimportant it may seem, or may recognise the image of the man to do the right thing and contact Crimestoppers and help us find the perpetrator of this crime.”