Mother’s plea

By Jade Lawton
AN anonymous tipster who contacted Crime Stoppers after the disappearance of Pakenham man Nathan Giles could hold a vital clue to his whereabouts.
Nathan’s mother, Kerrie James, and youngest sister Bree Giles yesterday made an emotional plea for that person to again make contact with police.
“Every day is dragging on. Somebody has to know where he is,” Mrs James said.
Detective Senior Constable Michael O’Neil said someone contacted Crime Stoppers on 29 July after local media reports and revealed Nathan was in possession of a firearm, most likely a rifle.
They also had information about Nathan’s movements prior to his disappearance.
“This information is very valuable and we are asking this person to re-contact Crime Stoppers,” Det Sen Const O’Neil said.
“We do feel this information is vital.”
Police now believe Nathan, who was last seen in Paken-ham around 9am on 20 July, could have spent time in the Tynong or Garfield North areas on that day.
They are appealing for anyone who may have seen his 1990 silver Holden Commodore, registration PWN 210, in that area or near the Mt Cannibal walking track, to contact police.
Nathan’s car was found in bushland off Gordon Road, Pakenham Upper, on 24 July.
Two extensive searches of the surrounding bush involv-ing Rescue Squad officers, the Police Air Wing, Dog Squad and SES have revealed no clues as to what happened to Nathan, who is due to turn 23 on 13 September.
He has not used his mobile phone or accessed his bank accounts since his disappearance.
Det Sen Const O’Neil said foul play was one of a number of possibilities being investigated by police.
“Nathan loved motorbikes and the open air. He was quiet, and had a close group of friends. He was a normal 22-year-old,” Mrs James said.
Nathan, who was boarding with a close school friend at a house in Cunningham Crescent, last spoke to his eldest sister, Tracy, on 18 July.
“By all accounts he was happy,” Mrs James said. “We are hurting, numb, just sitting there. Every time the phone rings we hope it is someone telling us he is alive.”
Nathan has no police record and no history of depression.
“This is completely out of character. He would always let someone know where he was going,” Mrs James said.
“Anybody that’s got a little piece of information, anyone, please just ring, leave a note – the smallest bit of information is going to help.
“When the phone rings we think that’s the call we’ve been waiting for.
“Just not knowing is really heartbreaking,” Mrs James said. “This is something I would not wish on any other parent.”
Nathan Giles is Caucasian, tall, of thin build, with light brown short hair and a fair complexion. He was believed to be wearing blue jeans and a black hooded jumper when he went missing.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.