TONA*

The family of a teenager who was speared through the head with a shard of wood as he rode pillion on a motorbike today appealed for help in breaking down a “wall of silence” surrounding the killing.

Tommy Warde, 17, died after the piece of wood penetrated his skull and “pierced deep into his brain” in the attack in Orpington two years ago.

He was on the motorbike with a friend when they passed a group of men who had been drinking and who began throwing cans at them.

Tommy’s friend said he remembers the teenager suddenly falling backwards from the bike and landing in the road. He turned and saw him lying there with the shard protruding from his head.

A sad story. Even sadder:

In February last year John Vincent, who had been charged with Tommy’s murder, was acquitted after his trial at the Old Bailey was discontinued.

But wait! Isn't there something missing from the report in the 'Standard'?

Tommy Warde, 17, was riding pillion around a travellers' site in Orpington, Kent...

Ah. There it is...

* I think we can all guess what that stands for...