Police 'sit up' after sister begs for answers over brother's 20-year disappearance

Joseph Connelly, from Calder Street in the Govanhill, suddenly disappeared in April 2002 leaving his heartbroken family in the dark without answers.

His devastated sister Caroline Armour, 63, has been desperately searching for her big brother ever since and told us last month that she believes he may have been “murdered”.

It comes after the 50-year-old dad-of-one, who would now be 70, started to act strange and "unusually subdued" while attending a family wedding in Letterkenny, Ireland.

He returned to Glasgow with his brother but was never seen again, leaving his family fearing the worst.

Caroline wants answers

Worried Caroline launched a missing person appeal but now two decades later has told the Glasgow Times she is no further forward in getting closure on what happened to her ‘brilliant’ and ‘loving’ big brother.

After we reported her emotional interview police re-launched a fresh appeal for the 70-year-old, who went missing aged 50, in a bid for more information.

Caroline is thrilled Joseph’s case is getting attention again after being “tormented” for 20 years over his disappearance.

She told the Glasgow Times: “I’m delighted. I tried to keep it live but your article definitely made the police sit up.

“They said they checked all government websites and Joe hasn’t reviewed his passport or applied for a pension or any other financial aid.

“No other news though.

“I definitely think the article made a difference as the police did soundbites for radio stations also.

“That’s the most they have done in 16 years.”

Joseph went missing in 2002

Joseph was known to travel and it was not unusual for him to be out of contact with family for long spells.

However, he would be in touch on birthdays and Christmas. He was reported missing after Christmas 2002 when his family did not hear from him.

Extensive enquiries were carried out at the time but officers have renewed an appeal more than 20 years later.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, Joseph’s sister Caroline Armour said: “Not knowing where Joseph is or what happened to him is torment, and we cannot begin to describe the pain and anguish we have felt since he disappeared 20 years ago.

“We continue to hope that one day we will receive information that could help us bring Joseph home.”

Caroline previously told the Glasgow Times: “At the wedding I should have realised something was wrong, but you just don’t think it will ever be the last time you see your brother.

“We were told he may have been murdered. The police never found any answers to prove if this was true but we think it is possible.

“I don’t know what my brother was caught up in. At this point that isn’t what is important, I just want to know what happened. My family needs closure.

“We haven't declared him dead and I won’t do it until I know for sure, otherwise it would feel like we gave up on him.

“It is just so cruel that we have had to go on never knowing if he is okay, we haven’t been able to properly grieve him.

“What is important is that someone tells me where his body is if he isn’t alive anymore, it has to be somewhere.

“It is hard to believe he is alive after all this time, but still there is a tiny part of you that always thinks ‘what if’.

“I love my brother, he has the most gentle soul. If I could say something to him it would be to come home, we miss you terribly, our family is broken without you."

Missing poster from 2002

Joseph was last described as slim with brown hair which he wore in a ponytail with a sallow complexion.

Detectives investigating Joseph’s missing case allegedly took items from his flat on Calder street including private journals, photographs, and other clues to help find answers.

But after seven years of dead ends Caroline begged for these personal items back, but claims officers told her they were accidentally destroyed in police custody.

She was left ‘distraught’ at losing another part of her beloved brother, especially as his journals detailed his life since he was a young boy.

In emails, seen by the Glasgow Times, Caroline begged Police Scotland for answers to why the sentimental items were destroyed.

Caroline is hoping to confirm where her brother is soon as the ‘consuming’ search has been draining her for 20 years.

She fears she may die without getting answers like her other siblings, but refuses to give up hope.

Police Scotland was contacted for comment.