“I would describe Mark as a caring, intelligent, generous and outgoing young man. I have always been able to rely on Mark for anything; he is someone that has far more time for friends and family than for himself, a genuinely selfless character. He is a sensitive young man, in the manner of understanding people’s emotions. We were all aware that Mark spent an immense amount of time looking after his father, especially in the school holidays [2005]. Mark always seemed happy whenever I saw him, he is always full of life and passion, even through these darkest hours he has always been the Mark I know and love whenever I have spoken to him. Mark was someone that I could and still can trust with my life, I am proud to say that. These accusations are quite baffling in my opinion. I was shocked to hear that Mark would not be allowed to attend Sam’s funeral and I was honoured to read out the eulogy that Mark had written for his father [2010]. Many of the village residents were sympathetic towards Mark. I have always loved and looked up to Mark, he is one of the last people I would ever have expected to be in a situation as unfair and soul destroying as this.”