'Closure' for families of Shoreham Airshow victims on anniversary

Pilot Andrew Hill crashed a Hawker Hunter plane on to the A27 as he attempted to perform a stunt during the airshow on August 22, 2015.

He was cleared of gross negligence manslaughter in 2019.

But in December last year, Senior West Sussex Coroner Penelope Schofield found the men were unlawfully killed by the manner in which the plane was flown.

"This was not a small misjudgement. In my view, this goes beyond a mere mistake," she said.

Now, eight years after the tragedy, an MP said he hopes the community can gain some closure.

The Shoreham Airshow memorial (Image: PA)

“Today we again remember the 11 men who lost their lives at the Shoreham Airshow tragedy in 2015,” said MP for Shoreham Tim Loughton.

“The first year since the coroner has completed her work and at last given some closure to the families and friends of the victims.”

Touching tributes to the victims are being shared online today, with a message from Brighton and Hove Albion reading: “Today we remember those who tragically love their lives in Shoreham eight years ago.

“Our thoughts are always with their loved ones.”

Following the coroner’s ruling last year, pilot Mr Hill attempted to challenge the conclusion by applying for a judicial review.

His application to the High Court was refused and he confirmed he would not be contesting the refusal.

Pilot Andrew Hill (Image: The Argus)

Sarah Stewart, of law firm Stewarts, who acted for the majority of the families, spoke after the High Court ruling.

READ MORE: Shoreham Airshow crash pilot drops judicial review plan

She said: "The families look forward to putting this chapter firmly behind them, safe in the knowledge that their voices have finally been heard.”

A source close to the inquest said at the time: “It’s over.”

Family members said they were relieved.