By Juliette MaxamTHE family of a nightclub bouncer bludgeoned to death seven years ago has vowed not to give up hope his killers will be found and brought to justice.

By Juliette Maxam

THE family of a nightclub bouncer bludgeoned to death seven years ago has vowed not to give up hope his killers will be found and brought to justice.

Gary Chick, a father-of-three, was brutally attacked while walking with his fiancee along the seafront gardens near Clacton Pier in the early hours of November 18, 1996.

Mr Chick, 40, had just finished work at Fibbers nightclub, above Tom Pepper's pub, in Clacton and was walking to the Waverley Hall Hotel with Rosalind Vaughan when he was set upon.

The killers, who pulled balaclavas over their heads, said nothing as they beat Mr Chick over the head with either a baseball bat or metal cosh before leaving him for dead.

At the time of his death, Mr Chick was living with his three daughters, Laura, Roxanne and Jennifer, and his mother, Joyce.

As the anniversary of Mr Chick's death approaches, his daughter Jennifer spoke out on behalf of her sisters and mother, Lesley.

"It is seven years since my father was murdered and not a day goes by without us thinking about him," she said.

"You hope it will get easier after time, but if anything it is harder now we are older. Laura and I are now married and although we tried to enjoy the weddings, we couldn't help but feel sad that dad couldn't be there.

"It is also heartbreaking that he will never get to meet my son or Roxanne's daughter, his grandchildren."

She added: "From the day he died my nan became poorly, crying every day and eventually she passed away. We have no doubt it was from a broken heart.

"We all miss him so much and will never be able to rest until those responsible for my father's brutal murder are brought to justice."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "The passage of time makes it no less important that the attackers are brought to justice.

"There are people who know the full story as to why Mr Chick was killed and the fact that seven years have now passed shouldn't stop them from coming forward.

"It may be that someone had certain loyalties at the time which prevented them from contacting the police. Those loyalties may have since changed, making now the time to do the right thing."

One man was charged with Mr Chick's murder, but he was acquitted in November 1999.

Anyone with information should contact the Stanway major investigation team on 01206 762122 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

juliette.maxam@eadt.co.uk