Shoreham relatives promised ‘ fearless’ probe
A “FULL and fearless” investigation will be held into the Shoreham Air Show disaster, relatives of victims were promised yesterday.
Senior coroner Penelope Schofield formally opened inquests on the 11 people killed when a Hawker Hunter jet crashed onto the A27 in West Sussex on August 22.
She said: “This is the single largest loss of life in my jurisdiction since I took up office in 2008.
“I will conduct a full and fearless inquiry as the law requires but as you can imagine this will take time. I will do everything I can to progress this matter as quickly as possible.”
The hearing began as the last of the victims was named as “brilliant photographer” Graham Mallinson, 72.
Relatives of Mr Mallinson, from Newick in East Sussex, said in a statement: “He was the kindest and most generous man, a private and loving family man with a great sense of humour.
“A very caring husband and father he will be very sorely missed.”
Unusually, the hearing in Horsham in West Sussex opened with a minute’s silence to remember all those who died.
The jet’s pilot, Andy Hill, 51, is still fighting for his life in a medicallyinduced coma.