Parents' 10th anniversary murder appeal

Steven Johnson's killer has never been found

The parents of a taxi driver murdered in a remote country lane 10 years ago have broken their silence and appealed for help in catching his killer.

They made their plea after Staffordshire police suggested that advances in forensic science over the past decade could help catch Steven Johnson's killer.

Mr Johnson, who was 25, was found with his throat cut near the village of Mow Cop on the Staffordshire/Cheshire border on 22 December 1990.

Several people were arrested in connection with the murder inquiry, but no-one was charged.

We've had so much taken away

Steven Johnson's father

Mr Johnson's parents, who live in the Staffordshire Moorlands, said the death of their only child was a devastating blow from which they had never fully recovered.

"Steven was a son who would do anything for anyone," said his father, Ken Johnson.

"We've had so much taken away and nothing that anyone does now can ever bring him back."

Steven's wife Kath

His widow, Kath Johnson, said: "You could give up because it's been so long, but you never give up hope."

She said his daughters, who are now 12 and 13, had missed out on knowing their dad and he had missed seeing them grow up.

Determined

Detective Superintendent John Moss from Staffordshire police said the force was now liaising closely with the Forensic Science Service and the National Crime Faculty to review exhibits taken in the initial inquiry.

"We have never given up on this case," he said.

"We have always been determined to catch the person who murdered Steven Johnson and this review is taking us another step closer.

"It would be easy to say it's all in the past. But Steven Johnson's family have waited 10 years for his killer to be brought to justice."

Mr Johnson, who was from Hanley, near Stoke on Trent, was found about 30 yards from his heavily bloodstained taxi.

His takings had not been stolen and police were unable to establish a motive for the attack.

Despite a huge police operation and a reconstruction on the BBC's Crimewatch UK, Mr Johnson's killer remains at large.