A WOMAN whose son was murdered five years ago has said she is heartbroken after her husband died before the killer was brought to justice.

A murder investigation was launched on December 16, 2012, after John ‘The Badge’ Roberts was found beaten to death inside his own home.

The Northern Echo: MEMORIES: John Roberts with his father, David

The 32-year-old lived by himself at the terraced home on Park Terrace, Winlaton, Gateshead, where he was found with a serious head injury by police.

In the months that followed, thousands of people were spoken to by detectives and hundreds of house-to-house enquiries were conducted.

A number of arrests were made but nobody has ever been charged with the murder.

Now, five years after John’s murder his mother, Jennifer Roberts, has said the family have been left heartbroken again.

In May this year, John’s father, David, 72, passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Mrs Roberts said: “He died without ever knowing who took his son’s life or why they killed him.

“I’m now left to carry the burden of grief and the not knowing about John on my own, as well as the grief of losing my husband.

“I want to plead with those who were responsible or with anyone who knows something and hasn’t yet had the courage to come forward.

“John was attacked in his own home, a place where, despite his problems, he was entitled to feel safe

“After five years of knowing you have taken another person’s life away from them and their family it must weigh heavily on that person or people involved.

“Guilt weighs on the soul and secrets creep into the corners of your life.

I want to urge you to do the right thing and hand yourself in to police.”

John’s parents were both teachers but were enjoying their retirement when their son’s body was found inside his home.

Detective Chief Inspector Lisa Theaker has led the investigation into his murder and launched a fresh appeal for information on the anniversary of his death.

She is convinced that people with information about the murder are still yet to come forward and said she was ‘saddened’ that John’s father died before a conviction.

DCI Theaker said: “This murder may have taken place five years ago but the investigation into John’s death is not closed and it never will be until we catch those responsible.

“It does sadden me that David passed away before being able to see his son’s killer brought to justice and I know that really upsets Jennifer too.

“We know that five years have passed but we will never give up on finding those responsible. They may be in a very different position now and we would urge them to come forward.”

Anyone who has information is asked to contact police on 101.