THE distraught sister of a missing man has offered a huge €20,000 reward for information over fears he may have been killed.
Jessica Hanlon, 46, whose brother Anthony, 39, was last seen in the Magdalene Street area of Drogheda around 6.30pm on November 26, believes “something sinister” has happened to her sibling.
She told how she offered the reward in the hope that someone can provide information on her younger brother’s whereabouts.
Jessica met with Gardai on Tuesday to discuss her brother’s case.
At the time of his disappearance, Anthony had been staying in homeless accommodation but was set to move into his own place before Christmas.
She told us: “I don’t want my brother to be missing like that poor man Trevor Deely — someone knows where he is.
“I continue to live in hope and pray someone will tell us he’s ok but my genuine fear is that something bad has happened to him.
“My brother had a deep faith and would never have taken his own life even if he was struggling.
“I know in my heart he would have also never put my mother and I through this nightmare.
“It’s far too long for him not to be in contact with us and we are pleading for someone to come forward with information — my poor mother is heartbroken.
“We have offered this reward for information in the hope someone can help end this nightmare.”
She continued: “I’m appealing to people who suspect anyone of acting suspicious or out of character to please call the Gardai.
‘WE HAVE TO KEEP GOING’
“I’m also urging people to be aware of their surroundings because Drogheda is becoming such a dangerous town.
“We have to keep going until we find out what happened to him.
“Anthony was a sensitive and vulnerable man who didn’t have any enemies.
“His bank account hasn’t been touched since his disappearance and that’s why we fear the worst.
‘WE JUST NEED ANSWERS’
“I have told the guards everything that I have heard about my brother and we just need answers.
“If he was desperate he would have come to us for help but there has been nothing.”
Following his disappearance in November, Gardai searched the River Boyne, walkways and other parts of Drogheda but were unable to find him.
Jessica is currently drawing up plans to distribute leaflets in the Drogheda area.
‘GREAT SUPPORT’
She said: “I think the answer to my brother’s disappearance lies in the Drogheda area.
“I have been offered great support from friends and that’s why we will be doing something with leaflets and posters.
“I have no doubt that there are people who know what happened and we just want them to tell us one way or the other.”
Gardai have classified the case as a “missing persons” probe and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Anthony is described as being 5ft 5 and of slim build, with balding auburn hair and blue eyes.
It is not known what he was wearing when he was last seen.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Garda on 041 987 4200.
