Jet pilot did ‘nothing’ to avoid crash
BY FLORA THOMSON THE pilot of a vintage fighter jet did “nothing” to avoid the Shoreham Airshow crash which killed 11 men, a court heard yesterday.
Derek Davis, chairman of the event’s flying committee, told London’s Old Bailey it looked like the Hawker Hunter was “not being controlled” by Andrew Hill as it plummeted to the ground on August 22, 2015.
Hill, 54, denies 11 charges of manslaughter by gross negligence.
Derek told the court he became concerned when the plane began its descent, adding: “He wasn’t desperately trying to miss the ground. He wasn’t doing anything.”
Defence barristers for Hill told the court he had “cognitive impairment” at the time of the crash.
The trial continues. SERVICE For star June TEARS & SMILES Funeral yesterday BY TOM BRYANT SHE did not want them to cry but mourners at Dame June Whitfield’s funeral struggled to stop the tears as they gave her an Absolutely Fabulous send-off yesterday.
There was laughter too as Ab Fab co-stars Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders and Julia Sawalha reunited to share memories of the comedy legend.
Joanna, 72, said she had to “mop up” her make-up after the moving service, which she said was “more like a wedding than a funeral” .
She said: “June insisted it wasn’t going to be all black and gloomy and the music was the best.
“The funeral was touching beyond words. So many people have said they have the feeling she hasn’t gone, her spirit was there, funny, generous and lovely.”
Determined to make it a joyous occasion, Dame June had chosen to conclude the service with Judy Garland singing Get Happy.
Jennifer, 60, added: “It was absolutely marvellous, which was so typical of June, perfectly judged. We all had happy tears of joy. “She wanted people not to be miserable, she wanted
to have a happy FABULOUS Dame June, left, and with Ab Fab crew