Update - Cold Case Review - Murder of Caol man Jimmy Hassard in 1989
Issued: 1 Oct 2024
Northern Constabulary is continuing its cold case review into the murder of Caol man James Hassard in 1989.
A period of intensive investigative inquiry has now concluded within the community of Caol. During this phase of the cold case review over 100 witnesses have been interviewed over a three week period.
As a result of these inquiries new information has come to light which is currently being pursued by the inquiry team.
Developments in forensic science are also being explored and new forensic work is ongoing.
The officer in charge of the case, Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Greenlees, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community of Caol for its support and assistance during this recent period of investigative activity.
"Whilst our re-investigation has established new evidence and other significant facts in terms of the crime, we strongly believe that a small number of individuals in the Caol community still hold vital information in regard to this crime and would again appeal to them for their co-operation which would bring closure for the family and allow the interests of justice to be rightly served.
"Further inquiries and forensic examinations are ongoing, as is a detailed analysis of the new information gathered."
James Hassard, (47), was found murdered in the early hours of Saturday 18 February 1989. His body was found in a car park between Kilmallie Road and Torcastle Crescent, Caol, in Lochaber.
Subsequent Police enquiries into this murder established that he had been drinking in the nearby Lochaber Bar between about 20:00 hours on Friday 17 February 1989 and 01:00 hours on Saturday 18 February 1989.
A police inquiry was instigated, but despite a lengthy investigation, the person or persons responsible were never traced.
Anyone with any further information regarding the murder is urged to contact the inquiry team via the following means.
Northern Constabulary can be contacted on 01463 715555. There is a dedicated email address caolmurder@northern.pnn.police.uk and people can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
