THE author of a mysterious note created using cut-out newspaper letters could be the key to solving a violent robbery in which a 61-year-old woman was savagely beaten, police say.
The letter, which was anonymously dropped into the Altona North police station in May, contained information relating to the robbery of an Altona second-hand bookstore in July of last year.
During the robbery, which occurred on July 20 about 5pm, then 61-year-old woman Jill Brookes suffered fractures to her skull and wounds to her hands.
Speaking to Fairfax Media last year, a relative of Ms Brookes said the attacker could have only stolen up to $200 from the store’s till.
After the thief fled, a fellow shopkeeper discovered Ms Brookes lying in a pool of blood.
Ms Brookes was conveyed to The Alfred hospital suffering life-threatening injuries.
FOLLOW THE STORY
HUSBAND’S PLEA: Jill left brain damaged
THE IMPACT: Bookshop owner leaves hospital for rehab
STORE CLOSES: Family donates book stock to charity
THE AFTERMATH: Toll still being paid by Brookes family
A police spokeswoman said Ms Brookes was still in poor health since the attack 12 months ago.
Despite several public appeals across the past year, police are yet to make an arrest in relation to the attack.
However, police believe the author of the mysterious note could hold vital information about the attack and are appealing for him or her to come forward.
The note, crafted with cut-out newspaper letters, was accompanied by several newspaper articles relating to the attack.
Detective Senior Constable Matt Noonan urged anyone with information about the attack, including the author of the letter, to contact police.
“This has been an incredibly challenging time for Jill and her family,” Detective Senior Constable Matt Noonan said.
“She sustained life-threatening injuries and the reality is that she’s incredibly lucky to still be with us.
“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.”
Senior Constable Noonan urged anyone with information about the attack to contact Crime Stoppers.
“The important thing is that if you know something then say something,” he said.
“It might seem like a small or insignificant detail but it could make a big difference in this case.”
Investigators have previously released details of a man who they believed could assist with their inquiries, along with information regarding a truck seen in the area around the time of the assault.
The man was described as Caucasian in appearance with a medium build.
It is believed he was wearing full khaki overalls and a dark, check 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
