Mum overwhelmed as hundreds say a final farewell to ‘Aky’
FUNERAL HELD DAYS BEFORE KILLER CONVICTED
THE mum of manslaughter victim Scott Akester said the support for her son was “overwhelming” as hundreds gathered to say a final farewell.
Around 200 people attended the funeral of the popular Hull man, who died after being punched by a friend after a night out. The service was held last Friday, but Hull Live has been unable to report the details until the conclusion of the trial of his killer.
This week, Michael Pearson, 30, of Saltshouse Road, east Hull, was found guilty of the manslaughter of Scott in Sutton Park on November 18 last year. He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 29.
Scott’s mum, Debbie Akester, waited for almost six months to say goodbye to her son and give him the send off he deserved. Despite being in the midst of a trial, she managed to have “the nicest possible” day and learned more about Scott than she knew before.
Debbie told Hull Live: “We arrived at Chants Crematorium at about 1.20pm and we couldn’t quite believe as we pulled up the number of Scott’s friends lined up
in silence waiting for Scott and our family to arrive. Family and friends carried Scott into the large chapel – which was full – we estimated about 200 friends, plus family members.”
“It was overwhelming getting
that amount of support and the service was brilliant. We spoke about happy memories and told funny stories.
“I learned a few things about what Scott got up to at school and on his football away days because he was a big Hull City fan. Everyone was really respectful and took time to talk to us about why they loved Scott so much.”
She added: “One thing that really hit home to us was that everyone said Scott was really loyal to his friends. There were so many stories to tell – he definitely packed a lot of living into his short life.”
After the service, the Akester family headed over to the Pelican pub, in James Reckitt Avenue, where Scott would regularly go as a teenager. Debbie had photos of Scott laid out and focused the day on his life, rather than his death.
“It was really emotional but amazing,” she continued. “Just before everyone went home, his friends got together and started to sing ‘there’s only one Scott Aky,’ which was his nickname.
“We took a video of everyone singing. The day was as nice as possible and it was good to release the emotions that have been building up for the last six months since his death.
“It was a very special day and one we will remember forever.”
As well as his mum, Scott leaves behind his dad Steve, his girlfriend, who he met in 2014 and their daughter, who was born in 2018.