Damien Nettles Case Dumped by Hampshire Police After 21 Years
Hampshire Constabulary have all but abandoned the hunt for missing Isle of Wight teen Damien Nettles. Since a meeting back in December 2017, the police have ignored every attempt by the family to get updates, initially telling them the case was closed. Valerie Nettles, Damien’s mum, challenged this, only for officers to backtrack and claim the investigation was still “periodically reviewed” – though no one bothers to keep the family in the loop.
Family Left in the Dark as Police Fumble Investigation
More than two decades ago, 16-year-old Damien waved goodbye to his mum before heading to a friend’s party in East Cowes and vanished without a trace. Valerie and her family have tirelessly searched for answers ever since, convinced locals know more than they admit. The police bungled the inquiry from the start – tracking the wrong person on CCTV, incorrectly stating Damien’s age as 19, and somehow losing key footage.
The blunders prompted complaints to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) – but all to no avail. Recently, the family discovered Damien’s case was quietly removed from the Hampshire Constabulary website without a word. The deafening silence has left trust in shreds.
The Scandal of Rumours and No Closure
As if the police failings weren’t enough, Valerie and the family have been haunted by cruel, vile rumours about Damien’s disappearance. Year after year, they’ve had to battle public speculation and pain without any resolution.
Damien’s tragic story is a grim reminder of how police errors and silence can leave families shattered and justice denied.
