The Unsolved Disappearance of Michael Straughan

38-year-old Michael Straughan lived with his parents in the Westerhope area, on the outskirts of Newcastle upon Tyne. Michael had a close relationship with his parents but sadly, a few months before Michael disappeared, his mother passed away, which friends say had a significant impact on him.

Michael had previously worked as a forklift truck driver, but in 1990, he was made redundant. After this, he did odd jobs to get by. These included being a bouncer and a mechanic. Michael also liked to smoke cannabis and would dabble in dealing.

People who knew Michael described him as a friendly and sociable person. He was an avid reader and liked to write poetry. As Michael did not work full-time, he would spend a lot of time in the local pubs, where everyone knew him by name. Everyone described Michael as a lovely man, very kind, caring and devoted to his parents. Friends say that Michael was a gentle giant, standing over 6 feet tall. However, Michael could be too nice, and would often be taken advantage of.

Shortly before Michael disappeared, he told a friend that he had some business lined up that would make him a lot of money. He said that he was on the verge of a big deal and that he was off to buy a Mercedes car. The friend said that he took this story with a pinch of salt, as Michael was known to tell elaborate tales that were not always true.

The last time that Michael was seen was on the 19th of June outside the Percy Arms pub in the Haymarket area of Newcastle. A witness, Peter Owens who knew Michael, said that Michael had told him that he was waiting to be picked up and was going to Durham to pick up a marquee, this was about 8.40 pm. An hour earlier, Michael was spotted Farmers’ Rest pub also in the Haymarket area.

Earlier that day, Michael went to visit a friend who was not feeling well. The friend told police that Michael had several thousand pounds in cash and said that he was going to meet a man called Don.

The next day, when Michael did not return home, his father knew something was wrong as he always returned home to his father. His car was found 100 yards from the Percy Arms. Inside the car was a hat that he always wore.

The day that Michael disappeared, the Hoppings opened, the largest travellers fair in Europe. So there were many people from out of town in the area at the time.

Michael was a distinctive man, standing at 6 foot 3 inches and 23 stone, he was a large man who often got noticed. He was also a Thai boxing teacher, so he could look after himself.

There was a rumour that the week before Michael disappeared, he was attacked, but it is unknown who had attacked him. A witness saw a white Ford Transit near the scene, but no more details could be obtained. Despite their best efforts, the police could not find any motive for Michaels's disappearance.

The police thought that there may be a connection between Michael’s disappearance and the disappearance of drug dealer Gordon Warren in April 1991. However, nothing more has been disclosed.

In 2013, police arrested a 59-year-old Tynedale man and a 44-year-old man from Newcastle on suspicion of murdering Michael, but were released on bail. This was the last update that I could find on Michael's case.

If anyone has any information about what may have happened to Michael, please call Northumbria Police on 101.

Sources and further reading:

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/10376302.men-held-alleged-1992-murder/

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/michael-straughan-mystery-how-hopes-17346983