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£50k reward offered to trace one-punch killer of Robert Hart at Parklife festival

He died of his injuries days after the festival.

Daisy Jackson - 22nd March 2024

It’s been almost a decade since Robert Hart’s death, following an unprovoked attack at Parklife festival – and his killer has never been found.

Robert, who was 26 at the time of the attack in 2014, had been one of thousands partying and enjoying Manchester’s biggest music festival.

But his weekend came to the most tragic end when he was punched unconscious after reportedly defending his girlfriend, who was being hit by an inflatable toy.

Robert was rushed to hospital, where he died days later from his injuries.

A £50k reward is now being offered for any information that leads to the conviction of his killer, almost 10 years on.

The attacker has been described as mixed race, in his mid-20s, around 6ft to 6ft 2in tall, of muscular build with short, dark hair which was shaved at the sides.

The suspect may have been with several people, one of whom is an unknown woman believed to be white, mid-20s, with shoulder-length blonde hair, about 5ft 7ins tall, and possibly wearing a pink t-shirt.

GMP has made a fresh appeal for information relating to Robert’s death at Parklife on BBC’s Crimewatch Live today, adding that the £50k reward ‘is payable for information that leads to charge and conviction’.

Robert Hart was from Macclesfield and was attacked at the Heaton Park festival on Saturday 7 June 2014.

Anyone who attended Parklife on that date, especially those who were around the main stage at around 9pm just after Rudimental’s set had finished and before Snoop Dogg was due on, is asked to share photos and videos.

The area that the attack on Robert Hart took place at Parklife in 2014

Detective Inspector Madeline Kelly, from GMP’s Major Crime Review Team, said: “Even though this terrible incident was almost 10 years ago, it will still be fresh in the minds of many people, especially Robert’s family and people who were at Parklife.

“Despite the passing of time, the heartache felt by Robert’s family has not faded.

“Just as we were in 2014, we are determined to catch the person responsible which is why we are taking a fresh look at the evidence and appealing for the assistance of the public.

“We are appealing for people to dig deep into their consciences – it you were one of the people involved on the day we would urge you to come forward.

“No-one went to the festival that weekend with thoughts of violence.

“Allegiances and friendships will have changed so if anyone has any information they can report it to police in confidence, particularly if they feel they could not before.

“We are also asking for people at Parklife on Saturday 7 June 2014 to share their photos and videos with us – especially people who were around the main stage at around 9pm just after Rudimental had finished their set and before Snoop Dogg was due on.”

Crimewatch Live has replayed some of the original appeal from 2014 to coincide with what would have been Robert’s 36th birthday at the start of March.

Robert’s mum Elaine said: “Robert loved music and played his guitar all the time – music was the reason he went to Parklife. He didn’t go to Parklife for anything other than for his love of music.

“I visit him every week in Macclesfield Cemetery – he shouldn’t be there, he should be here, enjoying and living his life to the full with a family of his own.”

Investigators have set up a Major Incident Public Portal – photos and videos can be uploaded via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0601020114A08-PO1. Information can also be sent via a dedicated email address [email protected].

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via www.gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information about a crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Featured image: GMP