Father of triple killer speaks of his family's regret and sorrow (From The Northern Echo)

Father of triple killer speaks of his family's regret and sorrow

6:27pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Gavin Engelbrecht

THE FATHER of triple killer Michael Atherton today (Friday, March 8) spoke of his family’s regret and sorrow at the devastation his son had caused.

In a statement read out after an inquest into the deaths was concluded, Peter Atherton said: "As a family we would like to express our sincerest regret and sorrow at the whole situation.

"So many families have been affected by this, including our own.

"Firstly, we would like to offer deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of Susan, Alison and Tanya.

"We still have no idea why Michael decided to take the course of action that he did.

"We hoped to have been provided by someone the answers we were seeking during the course of this investigation and inquest.

"Unfortunately, this has not been the case, as the only person who could have honestly answered our main question as to what pushed Michael over the edge that night is not here to give those answers.”

Mr Atherton added: "We never tried to justify or condone Michael's actions that night or take away from the devastation that he has caused to us all.

“But we need to be allowed to grieve a loving father, son, brother and friend that he has been to so many people."

Mr Atherton said his son had many friends and he thanked the local community who had been “very supportive throughout this nightmare”.

He said: “These are people who knew Michael, knew what he was really like, as a person and their support has been truly invaluable to our family.”

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