Parents in new justice bid for killed son

Kevin Lavelle suffered 50 injuries in the attack

The parents of a man killed in Oxfordshire nearly seven years ago have launched a new bid for justice.

Kevin Lavelle, 29, of Bootle, Merseyside, was attacked by a gang with an iron bar outside the Cricketer's pub, Banbury, in June 2004.

A trial later collapsed when a judge said it was impossible to determine who struck the killer blow.

His parents want a new trial under the "joint enterprise" law, which treats all those involved as jointly liable.

Paddy and Joan Lavelle are petitioning the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Thames Valley Police to look again at the case.

But Det Insp Steve Duffy, of Thames Valley Police, who is leading the investigation, said: "Previously, the joint enterprise prosecution was considered in relation to the murder of Kevin Lavelle but not accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

"At this stage we have no further evidence to request this option be considered again."

Reward increased

He added the case was still "very much an active investigation" and police were doing "all that we can" to find whoever was responsible.

Mr Lavelle suffered 50 injuries in the attack.

At an inquest, a coroner recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.

In June, the reward for identifying Mr Lavelle's killer was increased to £30,000.

Thames Valley Police's original £20,000 reward was raised by £10,000 from the Justice for Kevin Lavelle fund.