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'I am innocent' says stepfather | 'I am innocent' says stepfather |
(20 minutes later) | |
The stepfather of a disabled man found dead in a suitcase has spoken publicly for the first time since he was arrested on suspicion of his murder. | The stepfather of a disabled man found dead in a suitcase has spoken publicly for the first time since he was arrested on suspicion of his murder. |
Brian Kirby, 36, was held on suspicion of murdering James Hughes, whose body was found in a "decomposed condition". | Brian Kirby, 36, was held on suspicion of murdering James Hughes, whose body was found in a "decomposed condition". |
In a statement released by his solicitor, Mr Kirby, of Redditch, Worcs, said he and a 17-year-old youth were innocent of the murder. | In a statement released by his solicitor, Mr Kirby, of Redditch, Worcs, said he and a 17-year-old youth were innocent of the murder. |
His 39-year-old wife Heather Wardle was found dead near his home on 21 April. | His 39-year-old wife Heather Wardle was found dead near his home on 21 April. |
'Terrible grief' | 'Terrible grief' |
The statement from Mr Kirby said: "We cannot express in words our feelings on being arrested by the police on suspicion of murder. | The statement from Mr Kirby said: "We cannot express in words our feelings on being arrested by the police on suspicion of murder. |
"We co-operated with police in every aspect during our detention at the police station.James Hughes was described as "wonderful and special" | |
"We protested our innocence and the police decided to take no further action and we were released without charge. | "We protested our innocence and the police decided to take no further action and we were released without charge. |
"This did not remove the grief that we continue to suffer." | "This did not remove the grief that we continue to suffer." |
Mr Kirby also paid tribute to his wife and 22-year-old stepson, saying James had been a "wonderful and special son". | |
He said Ms Wardle's support and care for James were "second to none". | He said Ms Wardle's support and care for James were "second to none". |
"Her parenting skills were an example for all. We will find it impossible to tell the younger members of the family where mummy is." | |
The mother-of-four's body was discovered in undergrowth off Winyates Way in the Church Hill area, less than a mile from where she lived. |