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'I am innocent' says stepfather | 'I am innocent' says stepfather |
(about 3 hours 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 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 murder. |
Brian Kirby, 36, was held on suspicion of killing James Hughes, whose body was found in a decomposed condition. | Brian Kirby, 36, was held on suspicion of killing James Hughes, whose body was found in a decomposed condition. |
Mr Hughes's body was found in the family's garden, less than 48 hours after his mother Heather Wardle, 39, was found dead in nearby woodland. | Mr Hughes's body was found in the family's garden, less than 48 hours after his mother Heather Wardle, 39, was found dead in nearby woodland. |
Police have said both deaths are still being treated as unexplained. | Police have said both deaths are still being treated as unexplained. |
Mr Kirby and a 17-year-old who was also held were released without charge. | Mr Kirby and a 17-year-old who was also held were released without charge. |
Nadeem Naguthney reads out a statement on behalf of Brian Kirby. | |
In a statement, Mr Kirby, of Redditch, Worcestershire, said he and the 17-year-old were innocent of the murder. | In a statement, Mr Kirby, of Redditch, Worcestershire, said he and the 17-year-old were innocent of the murder. |
The statement, read by Mr Kirby's solicitor, said: "We cannot express in words our feelings on being arrested by the police on suspicion of murder. | The statement, read by Mr Kirby's solicitor, said: "We cannot express in words our feelings on being arrested by the police on suspicion of murder. |
"Time is a healer but only time will tell if it can heal the deep wounds left by the tragic losses that we have suffered. | |
"We hope memory of the good times with James and Heather will ease our passage through these difficult and traumatic times." | "We hope memory of the good times with James and Heather will ease our passage through these difficult and traumatic times." |
'Second to none' | |
Mr Kirby said he had co-operated with police at every turn. | Mr Kirby said he had co-operated with police at every turn. |
"We protested our innocence and the police decided to take no further action and we were released without charge.James Hughes was described as "wonderful and special" | |
"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 partner and his 22-year-old stepson, saying James had been a "wonderful and special son". | Mr Kirby also paid tribute to his partner and his 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." | "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. | 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. |