A charity is putting up a substantial reward to help find who was responsible for the brutal murder of a pensioner in the 1980s.
Esme Hoad was found dead in her home on Havelock Road, Tonbridge, Kent, on 8 December 1982 after friends raised concerns when they were unable to reach her.
Esme, who lived alone and was aged 85, had suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest and had been beaten around the head with a blunt instrument.
Today, the independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information they exclusively receive that leads to the conviction of those responsible for the pensioner’s murder.
Despite a detailed investigation at the time, no one has been brought to justice for Esme’s killing.
At the time, a significant amount of blood was found at the scene and officers recovered a distinctive shoe mark believed to have been made by a “Banana” boot.
Forty-three years on, detectives continue to appeal for any information that could help solve the case and bring some closure for Esme’s loved ones.
***Crimestoppers, which is independent of the police, is supporting this investigation by offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information the charity exclusively receives – either online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111 at any time – that leads to the arrest of those responsible for the murder of Esme Hoad on 8 December 1982. The reward is available for three months and is due to expire on 8 March 2026***
Crimestoppers is offering the reward to mark the anniversary of her death and to encourage anyone who may know the truth to come forward anonymously.
Phil Breckon, South East Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said:
“Esme was an older woman who should have felt safe in her own home. We know that time can bring new perspectives and that loyalties or relationships may have changed. Even the smallest detail could be the missing piece that helps find Esme’s killer.
“If you have information but feel unable to speak directly to the police, please contact Crimestoppers. You can tell our charity what you know whilst staying completely anonymously.”
Crimestoppers is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They cannot trace your call or track your IP address. No one will ever know you contacted them. This means no police, no courts, no witness statements.
***Note: Information passed directly to the police will not qualify for a reward***
Anonymity: Crimestoppers guarantees complete anonymity, meaning that people who call or contact the charity online can pass on what they know without giving any personal details. Computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded; there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.
Claiming a reward: The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police. A reward code must be asked for when calling us on 0800 555 111. If you contact the charity via the online form, the ‘Keep in contact’ facility must be used, and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact.
