The 40-year-old campaign for truth by Mark Billington's family has finally achieved a major milestone with the High Court's decision to quash the original open verdict recorded over his death in 1984. For four decades, they have tirelessly pushed for answers and justice in the face of repeated setbacks and disappointments.
Mark was just 15 years old when he disappeared while cycling from his home in Birmingham to fly a kite; two months later, his body was found hanging from a tree in woodland. Initially treated as a suicide by police, the investigation was reclassified as a murder inquiry in 2002, although no charges were ever brought. Mark's family – including his adopted parents, Winifred and Roy – have consistently argued that his developmental delays and physical weakness would have made it impossible for him to tie the complex knot found or cycle the seven miles to where his body was discovered.
Mark's sister, Cheryl Jeyes, welcomed the decision by Lady Justice Whipple and Mr Justice Hilliard as a significant step towards a thorough examination of all available evidence. However, she noted that her mother, Winifred, who had dedicated herself to finding answers for Mark, passed away before witnessing this outcome. Cheryl brought a photograph of her mother to court, feeling it was essential to have her present in spirit on this momentous occasion.
The police began re-examining Mark's death in 2001 following the conviction of Brian Field, who murdered Roy Tutill in 1968. Although Field, who died in prison earlier this year aged 87, was never questioned about Mark's disappearance, his conviction prompted a review of various unsolved cases. Detectives then focused on a group of teenagers reportedly seen in a park near Mark's home on the day he vanished.
West Midlands Police stated that they were not required to retain items that might now be considered evidence due to rules in place at the time of the initial investigation, which saw the case passed to the coroner. The High Court's decision paves the way for a fresh inquest; however, a date for this new hearing has yet to be scheduled.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Birmingham Senior Coroner Louise Hunt, the Attorney General, and the High Court for their diligence in bringing about this outcome. As they look towards the next stage of their long fight for justice, they remain committed to uncovering the truth behind Mark's tragic death.