A mother's desperate search for her missing ex-Army son continues as she makes an emotional plea for his safe return ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
Jenny Stone told The Mirror she refuses to believe her 53-year-old son Craig Roberts is dead, despite his disappearance more than a year ago while on a family holiday in Looe, Cornwall.
A Veteran's Disappearance
Craig Roberts was last seen around 5.45pm on Sunday 7 July 2024 in the Looe Holiday Park area. He had gone to a shop and never returned to his family.
"He has PTSD and was convinced all his belongings had been stolen and he'd been thrown out of his flat," Jenny revealed. "I tried to reassure him that everything was fine and he was on holiday."
Craig left with only the clothes on his back - a camouflage top, blue jeans, and black and white trainers. He is approximately 5ft 8in tall with a slim build and short dark hair, and often wears a flat cap.
The Search for Answers
Despite numerous searches and investigations, Craig's whereabouts remain unknown, though there have been several potential sightings in Plymouth over recent months.
"There have been a couple of possible sightings in Plymouth but we've been down there nine times now and it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack," Jenny explained. "One sighting was in the Union Rooms which is a Wetherspoons and the description sounds like it was him as he was wearing a camouflage top and a flat cap."
Disturbingly, Craig's bank accounts haven't been touched in 16 months, and he didn't take his phone when he disappeared, leaving his family increasingly concerned about his welfare.
A Mother's Heartfelt Plea
As Remembrance Sunday approaches, Jenny hopes the occasion might bring her son back into view, noting that Craig never misses a Remembrance Day service.
"We just want to know he's safe and are asking people to look out for him this Remembrance Sunday as he could be somewhere marking the occasion," she said.
Jenny believes her son might be feeling like he's let his family down, but she's quick to reassure him: "I want him to know that he's always welcome to come home and stay with us. My phone number is the same - we just want to know you're ok."
She added emotionally: "I think the police believe he's dead but I don't believe anyone is dead until you find them. He's smartly dressed, well spoken and has the most infectious laugh and sounds like Sid James. I'd do anything to hear that laugh again."
The family's anguish comes as the Mirror's Missed campaign, run in partnership with the charity Missing People, calls for a national strategy to support missing people and their families.
Anyone with information about Craig Roberts should contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 999 if immediate or 101, quoting reference 972. Information can also be shared confidentially with Beacon Alert. The Missing People's helpline is available by calling or texting 116000.
