Police to re-open James Hassard murder files

Detectives are to reopen the investigation into the "brutal" murder of James Hassard who was found dead in Caol, Lochaber over 21 years ago.

New intelligence and advances in forensic technology have prompted a cold case review into the death with police believing the answers to the case lie in the local community.

Mr Hassard was found murdered in the early hours of Saturday February 18 in 1989. His body was discovered in a car park between Kilmallie Road and Torcastle Crescent.

He had been drinking in the nearby Lochaber Bar between about 8pm on Friday February 17 and 1am on Saturday.

Despite a lengthy police inquiry, no-one has ever been caught.

Northern Constabulary said they are conducting a review into the murder in the hope that some new evidence may come to light and ultimately resolve the case.

Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Gordon Greenlees said: "This cold case review has been prompted by new intelligence coming to light and recent advances in forensic techniques, such as DNA, which were unavailable in 1989."

Renewing a plea for anyone with information to get in touch, DCI Greenlees said: "James Hassard was the victim of a brutal attack in 1989. Although it is over 21 years since this murder, the file has never been closed.

"I am convinced that the answers to this case lie within the community of Caol and I would appeal to anyone who was living or visiting the area at the time, and who may know or remember something that might be useful to the investigation, to contact me.

"Twenty-one years is a long time and it is possible that relationships or loyalties may have changed which may now give people the confidence to come forward."