Grandmother's appeal as Ross anniversary nears

It is nearly a year since Ross, nine, was killed by a joyrider in Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, on December 13.

Ross's maternal grandmother, Diane Verlander, has appealed to anyone who knows the truth to tell the police -- even if their son or daughter was behind the wheel.

"I know if it was a son or daughter of mine, I wouldn't have any qualms about reporting it. No way could I live with that on my mind," she said.

"Either they are scared or they haven't got any heart."

Mrs Verlander said she could not complete her grieving, knowing Ross's killer was still at large.

She said she dreaded to think about the anguish Ross's mother, Cheryl, father Michael, and their three children, of Redwood Close, Greater Leys, would be going through at Christmas.

"I definitely think it would give them some comfort if they caught the person or persons before the first anniversary of Ross's death," she said.

Police offered a £10,000 reward in May to anyone giving information which may lead to the driver's conviction.

Mrs Verlander, 61, of Donnington Bridge Road, east Oxford, said in a heart-felt letter to the Oxford Mail: "Surely someone knows who did this. I beg them to come forward and give that information to the police. Please do not let this person get away with murder."

Widow Mrs Verlander told the Mail she had been deeply affected by her grandson's death.

"Not a day goes by without me thinking about him because he was such a lovely chap," she said.

"When Cheryl and Ross used to come to visit, the first thing he would do would be to come in and say: 'Hello nan!' He would sit in the bedroom and watch cartoons.

"It's things like that you miss so much."

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "Ross Doyle's killers are still at large. We would appeal for anyone who might have any information to come forward."

Call the police on 01865 266333 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.