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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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

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“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.”

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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.

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Featured image: GMP

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Campaigners set up petition to pedestrianise Tib Street in the Northern Quarter

Danny Jones Danny Jones Pedestrianise Tib Street petition Northern Quarter

Local campaigners in Manchester have set up a new petition to hopefully pedestrianise what they have deemed the ‘untapped’ Tib Street in the Northern Quarter.

And not only do they arguably have a strong point, but the proposal might have legs, too.

Even if the name Tib St doesn’t quite ring a bell, if you live centrally or have been to the city centre enough times, the chances are you’ll likely have walked down it at least once or twice.

More importantly, you could be walking, drinking, eating and plenty more there soon, if the people behind this petition pull off the plans they’re hoping to put in place with the help of Manchester City Council.

Staging a small, simple but considered and definitive demonstration on Friday, 24 October, a group of Manc businesses, residents and volunteers gathered to hold out the banner seen above, calling for exactly what it says: for local authorities to pedestrianise Tib Street.

They believe it has more potential. (Credit: The Manc Group)

Having seen the success of nearby Thomas Street and Edge St, which have become two of the busiest parts of what is already one of Manchester’s most vibrant districts and cultural hubs, they essentially want a piece of the action – and you can’t exactly blame them.

While at least part of the road is well utilised with the likes of Northern Soul, Evelyn’s, MyThai, and other independents sit pretty tucked away up into the slightly raised buildings above street level, with that recognisable bridge hanging above, the thoroughfare as a whole still remains a bit of a bottleneck.

It’s arguably even more so further down the street as you head more towards Ancoats, too, with the backstreet sitting behind the likes of Tib Street Tavern, Matt and Phreds, and The Butcher’s Quarter still mainly reserved for little more than deliveries and people trying to secure a shortcut.

Nearby native Fiona Moinuddin, who has rallied to try and get the Council on side in the past, says: “Pedestrianisation has already transformed other parts of NQ, and Tib Street should be next.

“This is about making our streets safer, supporting local businesses, and giving people space to enjoy our city centre. I’m calling on the Council to listen to residents and act.”

In fact, there have already been calls to roll back the road to a bygone era and bring back one particular treasured piece of its heritage.

Northern Quarter’s iconic ‘Big Horn’ could be coming back to Tib Street
Before it was known for lorries, diversions and traffic, it was home to a rather famous bit of artwork.

Chatting with the Tavern’s co-owners on the day, Rory O’Keefe and Jon Dootson, they told The Manc that “it’d be so much better for the street to be closed.”

“We’ve obviously got Dorsey Street, which could be opened up and turned into a terrace of a sort of community garden, and just tidy this area up and make it look a lot nicer for the city – it’ll be great for businesses as well.”

“I think there are too many cars coming down here. Obviously, everything’s mainly featured on Stevenson Square, and we feel a little bit left out around the corner.”

They also noted that although it’s been great to see how their Thomas and Edge St neighbours are thriving, not to mention they’ve been around for over two decades themselves, they have sadly lost a lot of business due to the disparity – especially when the sun comes out.

We also spoke to Matt and Phreds‘ boss, Claire Turner, who said: “Tib would be really good for pedestrianisation, so we can have some outdoor furniture, maybe even bring some live music into the street in the summer; it would just kind of tie everything together with the rest of the Northern Quarter.

“I understand it’s not going to be for everybody, but I’m hoping the council will logistically sort everything out so that there’s still plenty of access for deliveries etc., but I just think it’s a positive thing for all of us.”

If you’d like to get behind the movement, you can sign the petition to pedestrianise Tib Street HERE.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

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Law requiring landlords to repair hazards within 24 hours comes into effect

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Awaab Ishak

Landlords will now have 24 hours to repair hazards reported to them as a new law comes into effect across England.

The law taking effect today comes after a ‘landmark’ new social housing bill – which was given the Royal Ascent to become law in July 2023 – was proposed and approved in early January last year.

‘Awaab’s Law’ is named after Greater Manchester toddler Awaab Ishak, who tragically died in 2020 as a result of prolonged exposure to mould in his Rochdale home, a coroner ruled back in 2022, and following his death, the Government had been pledging to deliver the new reforms.

But today (Monday 27 October), the first part of the law finally comes into effect.

This means that all social landlords – generally the local council, or a housing association – will from now be required to repair any hazards which are reported to them within 24 hours.

Landlords must also investigate ‘significant’ damp and mould within 10 working days of being notified, and then make properties safe in five working days.

For both types of hazards, they must also write the findings to tenants within three working days of inspection.   

On top of that, as part of the reforms, landlords now must also consider the circumstances of tenants which could put them at risk – including young children and those with disabilities or health conditions – and alternative accommodation must also be offered if homes cannot be made safe within the required timeframes.

Awaab’s Law is being called a ‘lasting legacy’ to the two-year-old.

“Everyone deserves a safe and decent home to live in and Awaab Ishak is a powerful reminder of how this can sadly be a matter of life or death,” commented Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, as Awaab’s Law comes into effect today.   

“Awaab’s family has fought hard for change and their work to protect millions of tenants’ lives will live on as a legacy to their son.  

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“Our changes will give tenants a stronger voice and force landlords to act urgently when lives are at risk, ensuring such tragedies are never repeated.”

More of Awaab’s Law will be phased in both next year and in 2027 to make homes safer from more hazards, the Government has confirmed.

Featured Image – GMP / Family Handout

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