Mother’s plea after son’s Parklife death

The mother of a man who died after being punched at a music festival has issued a plea on the 10th anniversary of his death.

Robert Hart, 26, from Macclesfield died from his injuries days after he was struck by an unidentified attacker in a row at Parklife in Heaton Park, Manchester in 2014.

Elaine Hart has renewed a request asking for help finding the person responsible ahead of this weekend’s festival.

She said she would “never be able to come to terms” with her son’s killing. 

“He went there to enjoy himself, he never returned, and he now lies in Macclesfield Cemetery,” she said.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) put up a  £50,000 reward for information earlier this year to help catch the person responsible for Robert’s death.

Robert had become involved in a row while waiting for Snoop Dog to appear on stage following a performance by Rudimental at Parklife on Saturday 7 June in 2014.

His injuries were far more serious than first thought, police said, and he later died on June 11 in hospital. 

His attacker was described by police as in their mid-20s, mixed race, and 6ft tall, with short hair shaved at the sides. 

He may have left the scene and “may not have realised at the time the fatal impact that his actions had”, a GMP spokesman said.

Det Insp Madeline Kelly urged anyone who may have been stood in the crowd to come forward as part of the renewed appeal for information. 

“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, particularly if they feel they could not before.”

Elaine Hart said she “just exists” since her son’s death, and she still asked why the attacker was “so aggressive and punched Robert so hard”.

“Ten years on, people’s loyalties and relationships change.

“For justice, if you know of this attacker, if you know his name, get in touch with Greater Manchester Police and hopefully there will be a closure.”