New reward in 'dumbbell' pub murder inquiry

Kevin Lavelle received 50 injuries in the attack in which he was repeatedly hit with a dumbbell

A large reward has been offered for vital information that could help solve the murder of a man attacked with a dumbbell inside a pub.

Kevin Lavelle, 29, died following a fight at The Cricketers pub in Grimsbury, Banbury, in June 2004.

The crane driver from Bootle, Merseyside, died at the scene. He received 50 injuries in the attack and was repeatedly hit with a dumbbell.

On the 20th anniversary of his death, the charity Crimestoppers is offering up to £20,000 for any anonymous information that could provide a breakthrough.

Rewards have previously been offered to uncover what happened, but the murder remains unsolved.

The attack on Mr Lavelle followed an argument he had with a group of rail workers from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, in south Wales, who were staying at the pub.

It was on the night England played Portugal in Euro 2004.

The father-of-two was due to marry a year later, and was working in the area to save money for the wedding.

A man from south Wales was charged with murder but acquitted in 2006.

'Heartache'

In a new statement, Mr Lavelle's sister, Lesley, said his family had "suffered for 20 long, heart-breaking years, unable to grieve Kevin's loss fully because we still don't know who is responsible for his horrific murder".

She said: "Three years ago, we sadly lost our mum after she suffered a heart attack on the anniversary of Kevin’s death. We believe she died of a broken heart after 20 years of carrying this heartache, and losing her one and only beloved son.

"In recent years, my father’s health has deteriorated as a result of the grief of Kevin’s death, and all we ask for is for someone to find it within themselves to come forward and speak out about his murder."

She said it would help them "begin the grieving process instead of living with this overwhelming anger and heartache".

Peter Beirne, head of Thames Valley Police’s major crime investigation review team, said officers wanted to speak to anyone who was staying at The Cricketers, or had information on anyone staying there, on 24 June 2004.

Information passed directly on to Crimestoppers will qualify for the reward.

Mick Duthie, director of operations at the charity, said: "We hope someone knows who was responsible for this senseless and vicious attack.

"This murder left a devastating and lasting impact on his loved ones.

"Our charity is hoping that with the passage of time, allegiances and friendships might have changed. People have the option to stay completely anonymous when contacting us with their information."

He added: "Together, we can help bring justice after all these years for Kevin and his family.”