Fears grow for missing backpacker

Last updated at 15:52 06 August 2004


The parents of a British backpacker who went missing in Australia after getting into an argument at a concert have appealed for information on his whereabouts.

Donal and Denise Kennedy, from Northampton, travelled to Sydney to aid the police inquiry into the disappearance of their son, Sean, 22.

He was last seen outside the Metro theatre in Sydney eight days ago after an argument with other concert-goers.

Mr Kennedy had been out with two flatmates at a concert by Irish band Ash. He split up from his friends and has not been sighted since he was ordered out of the theatre after the row.

Grave concerns

New South Wales Police said they had "grave concerns" for the welfare of the former Liverpool University student.

Mrs Kennedy told reporters at a press conference: "Sean is the kind of son any parent would be proud of. He's considerate and very funny - he has a great sense of humour.

"He's a gentle giant who wouldn't want to hurt anyone, he's such a likeable person.

Gentle giant

"We both spoke with him on the Saturday before his disappearance. He was in great form. He's been really loving his time in Sydney and had settled into his life in the city.

"Our lives have been turned upside down. We're just devastated by his disappearance."

Surry Hills Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Dave Egan-Lee, said a check of Mr Kennedy's financial records had shown that his bank accounts had not been touched since his disappearance.

He revealed that detectives are following up several leads after revellers in the area were shown photographs of the missing Briton.

"We carried out an extensive canvass near the nightclub where Sean was last seen. During this canvass we showed photographs of Sean to prompt the memories of people who may have information about him.

Unconfirmed sightings

"As a result of the canvass we are following up an unconfirmed sighting of Sean at a neighbouring nightclub.

"We are also investigating the possibility Sean might have gone to a hotel at Kings Cross on the night to listen to another band."

Mr Kennedy had been in Australia with girlfriend Catherine Rowden on a working holiday since February.

The couple were planning a month-long trip north along Australia's east coast in September before heading to Asia.

Ms Rowden, 22, said it was "very, very out of the ordinary" for Mr Kennedy to lose touch with her or his family for such a long time.

"Sean is a great boyfriend and reliable person," she said, adding: "He always rings to let me know when he's going to be home."

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