26 June 2024 , 12:07
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As police continue their desperate search for Jay Slater, the British teen's whereabouts continue to remain a mystery.
The 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer vanished after attending the NRG Tenerife Weekender festival during what was his first holiday overseas with friends. He hasn't been heard from since the morning of June 17, leaving loved ones frantic with worry.
Yesterday, Detective Mark Williams-Thomas arrived on the Canary island to assist with the case. The detective, who previously worked on the search for Nicola Bulley has stated that he will now build a 'clear timeline' of the 24 hour period prior to Jay's disappearance.
Police officers looking for Jay are also now focusing their attentions on where his mobile phone last 'pinged' as they return to a ravine in a mountainous region of the holiday island to look for him. Here, the Mirror takes a look at Jay's life back in the UK, including his involvement in a machete gang attack...
Machete attack
Jay was handed an 18-month community order following his part in a violent attack (ENTERPRISE NEWS AND PICTURES)
The victim was left with a split skull (MEN Media)In 2021, Jay, along with seven other youths, ambushed and chased fellow teenager Tom Hilton in Rishton, Lancashire, attacking him with a machete, golf clubs, and an axe. Tom, who likened his attackers to 'a pack of gorillas', was left with a split skull following the assault, as well as injuries to his shoulders and legs.
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The gang of eight gang members was seen laughing and joking throughout the trial at Preston Crown Court, as reported by Manchester Evening News, prompting Judge Philip Parry to call out their 'disrespect'.
Addressing the defendants, Judge Parry stated: "You should all eight be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves but I am not at all convinced you are. Many of you have found these proceedings amusing throughout the trial and yesterday and today, showing disrespect to the court.
"I hope for the sake of all your families, the public and the people who have offered you jobs and apprenticeships and the sort that you all grow up."
Jay was handed an 18-month community order for his part in the incident, which included 25 days worth of rehabilitation activities and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Victim's brave plea
Victim Tom has urged people to 'have some respect' (FAMILY HANDOUT/UNPIXS)
Jay's whereabouts remain a mystery (FAMILY HANDOUT/UNPIXS)After Jay's past crime came to light, a number of social media users described his disappearance as 'karma'. However, Tom, who was 17 at the time of the attack, has bravely pleaded with them to take a different perspective.
Taking to Facebook, Tom urged: "Whoever is writing on these TikToks, give it a rest. This young lad's missing and his family's heartbroken. Put yourself in their shoes. Stop talking nonsense on social and get this lad found, mentioning my name all this and that. Have some respect and help find this boy and get him back to his family."