By NICOLE VALICEK
A MYSTERY letter dropped at the Altona North police station could hold the key to an investigation described as a “callous” attack of an Altona shop trader.
It has been one year since Jill Brookes was assaulted and left with life-threatening injuries in her second-hand bookshop in Harrington Square Altona.
Jill, 62, was found at her shop after a brutal robbery on July 20 last year, but no arrest have been made.
In late May a man attended the Altona North police station and dropped a letter into the station mail box in relation to the incident.
The letter contained a newspaper clipping regarding the incident and a note written with letters cut from the paper.
During a media conference held last Thursday, Jill’s husband Michael Overend told reporters the beating had left his wife with severe brain damage.
“She has no skull on the left so she needs to wear a helmet,” he said.
Mr Overend said Jill’s injuries, which affect the left side of her head, meant she could understand conversations and recognise faces but could not communicate properly.
“I will never have my wife back. She will never come home,” he said.
“I had expected us to retire and live the rest of our lives together … that’s just not going to happen now.”
He said although his wife was unlikely to recover further, if her attacker was found it would bring him “some peace”.
Investigators have made several public appeals for information over the past year, particularly for anyone who was in the area between 3pm and 5pm on the day.
Detective Senior Constable Matt Noonan said investigators believed the note was legitimate because it contained “specific information” about the incident.
He urged anyone with information into the “callous” attack, including the author of the letter to come forward.
“This has been an incredibly challenging time for Jill and her family,” Det Sgt Noonan said.
“We’ve been working hard over the past 12 months to try and identify who is responsible and bring about some justice for the Brookes family.”
He said “the important thing is that if you know something then say something” and that even a small or insignificant detail could make a big difference in the case.
Police released details of a man they believed could assist with inquiries, along with information regarding a truck seen in the area around the time of the assault last November.
The man was described as being Caucasian in appearance with a medium build.
It’s believed he was wearing full khaki overalls and a dark, checked flannel shirt at the time of the incident.
Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
