Dad's desperate plea to find son who vanished 20 years ago after never arriving at work

The dad of a man who went missing 20 years ago has issued an emotional plea as police renew an appeal for information into his disappearance two decades on.

Simon Knight was 32 when he was last seen at a Crown Street hotel on the morning of July 21, 2005, and was reported missing later that day after he did not arrive for his shift at a café in Newtown. At the time there were few clues leading detectives to what happened to the aspiring chef.

Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, Simon, from Redfern, has never been found with a second coronial inquest in 2015 finding it was likely Simon had died. However, a body has never been located and the circumstances are unknown.

Detectives from South Sydney Police Area Command are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Knight’s disappearance under Strike Force Glenlea. In November 2020, a NSW Government reward was increased to $250,000 for information into Simon’s disappearance.

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At the time of his disappearance, Simon was described as being of Caucasian appearance, 183cm tall, with blue eyes, a fair complexion, red hair and facial hair. When he was last seen, it is believed he was wearing a dark green T-shirt and blue jeans.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said that despite the passage of time, Simon’s family needed answers. She said: “Losing a loved one is devastating, but the not knowing makes the loss so much harder.

“Today we appeal to anyone who might have the smallest piece of information, which can help police bring answers about Simon’s disappearance for the Knight family."

South Sydney Police Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Christopher Hill said police believe there is someone out there that knows something about Simon’s disappearance. Mr Hill said: “To support this search for answers, anyone who may have held onto information since Simon’s disappearance, is urged to come forward.

“We are keen to speak with anyone who lived or frequented Crown and Oxford streets, Surry Hills, in July 2005, particularly if they knew Simon and have not yet spoken to police. Any piece of new information – no matter how seemingly insignificant – could be the key to solve this case and help provide much-needed answers to Simon’s family about what happened to him.”

Simon’s father, Bob Knight said although it has now been 20 years since Simon’s disappearance, our family are very grateful to the police for their assistance and the work they have done to find out what happened to Simon.

He said: “Our family are still waiting, hoping one day we will get answers and closure. So please if you know anything, please get in touch with the police or Crime Stoppers.”

The $250,000 reward is available for information leading to the discovery of Simon Knight’s whereabouts or disclosing the circumstances of his disappearance.

Anyone with information about Mr Knight’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The community is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.