Corrie McKeague's father describes 'emotional torture' of waiting for closure following airman's disappearance after night out in Bury St Edmunds
The father of Corrie McKeague, the 23-year-old airman who a jury inquest has ruled died after getting into a bin which was then tipped into a waste lorry, has spoken of finally letting his son's body 'rest in peace'.
The jury inquest for Corrie, who went missing after a night out in Bury St Edmunds in September 2016, concluded earlier today after beginning on March 7.
It recorded a narrative conclusion that Corrie died at around 4.20am in Bury as a result of 'compression asphyxia in association with multiple injuries'.
In their conclusion, the jury said Mr McKeague’s 'death was contributed to by impaired judgment due to alcohol consumption'.
They added there were 'ineffective bin locks', an 'ineffective search of the bin' before it was tipped, and 'poor visibility through a Perspex viewing window on the lorry'.
Following the conclusion of the inquest, Corrie's father, Martin McKeague and his family, said they hoped the decision would shine a 'new light on the truth for everyone and Corrie can hopefully finally be left to rest in peace'.
He also described the 'emotional torture' of having no closure since Corrie went missing over five years ago.
"This tragedy has literally destroyed the lives of my wife, Trisha, and me," he said.
"I've lost my job, my house, and my wife and we have both lost our physical and mental health due to the length of time this case has carried on."
Mr McKeague criticised the spreading of misinformation on social media following his son's disappearance, before giving thanks to those who have supported him, his wife and Corrie's other family members.
"We would like to thank our Barrister, Dr Anton van Dellen," he said.
"We would never have gotten through this process without his help and we will be forever grateful to him.
"We would like to thank the jury and Coroner’s Court for the inquest.
"We would also like to thank the Suffolk Police for the amazing, untiring and exemplary work they did during the investigation into my son, Corrie’s, death throughout the last five and half years."
