‘We hope Graham’s death will not be in vain’

THE family of Graham Parish, who sat through the six-day trial, said they hope the case will highlight the dangers of drink.

In a statement his parents, David and Julie, and sister Jess, said since becoming a father, Graham rarely drank and had restructured his work in order to spend more time with his family.

“Unfortunately this rare opportunity to ‘let his hair down’ resulted in his death and left his young family fatherless. Graham brought us great happiness throughout his life and is sorely missed. We realise we are not the only family that has been affected by this case and that it has impacted and had repercussions for other families too. We hope that this case will highlight the dangers of drink and if it can prevent any more deaths, we feel Graham’s death will not be in vain.”

They said the Englishman was known locally as the ‘gentle giant’ who lived up to his name.

“He was a cheerful, intelligent man with a very bright future ahead of him. As a qualified design engineer, he as hard working and successful.”

They thanked those involved in bringing the case and the support they had received.

As Mr Wright and Mr Dalton left the court, their solicitor JJ Fitzgerald read out a statement: “Garry Wright and Aidan Dalton would firstly like to extend their sympathies to the Parish family on the tragic loss of Graham Parish. It has been a difficult time for all concerned. After a six-day trial, the presiding judge directed that the case be withdrawn from the jury. This has been a stressful time in both men’s lives and they are happy this has been brought to a close. We would ask that the privacy of all concerned be respected.”

He added that his clients were “much relieved”.