IAN McLaughlin​ was yesterday jailed for more than seven years for the manslaughter of former soldier Craig Guy at Catterick Garrison. Crime reporter, Neil Hunter, reports on the reaction of Mr Guy's family

THE family of former soldier Craig Guy have told how his death has left them with "a life sentence".

In a statement, his father John said: "I don't think we will ever be able to come to terms with his loss, and I know we will never be able to understand why he was taken in such tragic circumstances by a man he called a friend."

Mr Guy told how two police officers knocked at his door at 8.30am to tell him of the tragedy – while his wife was visiting their daughter, Victoria.

And in the heartbreaking statement, he told how Craig's five-year-old son asks at bedtime: "Where is my daddy. Why is he with the angels?"

Mr Guy said: "Friday April 14, 2017 was the worst day of my life. I was numb and couldn't take in what I had been told by the police.

"I rang my daughter's house and broke the news to my wife Margaret. I can't explain how this felt, but it is the worst thing I have ever had to do in my life.

"My whole world has been turned upside down. When I later found out that Craig had been killed by Ian, I was in total shock.

"I cannot understand the thoughts and actions carried out by this man. These thoughts have taken over our lives. We are all struggling to cope and move forward.

"We struggle to cope with the whole situation and our loss, and we cannot pass this on to a five-year-old boy.

"We try to stay strong, but inside we are in turmoil. Why did this happen? I hope one day we have an answer.

"At 34 years of age, Craig's life has been tragically cut short by this man.

"As a family, we hope justice prevails, and this man is given a sentence that can somehow justify taking Craig's life, although I believe this would be somewhat impossible."

Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Kell, from the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Major Investigation Team, said: "For Craig Guy's family, the sentence will never end. He was taken from them suddenly in the most cruel way.

"Craig thought McLaughlin was his friend. He introduced McLaughlin to his family only days before his death.

"This has made it even more difficult for the family to comprehend his subsequent actions in killing their son and depriving their grandson of a life with his father.

"McLaughlin is cold and callous. He lied to the police during the investigation and he has lied to his family and friends all his life.

"I am satisfied that he is where he belongs – behind bars, where he cannot harm anyone else."