The heartbroken father of west Belfast man John George, whose body is believed to have been found in Spain on Tuesday nearly 25 days after he went missing, has said he couldn’t face identifying his oldest son’s remains.
A 32-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder is due in a Spanish court on Thursday.
On Tuesday, the body of the 37-year-old father-of-two was found in Rojales, around 40 minutes south of Alicante, under trees on a farm, nearly three weeks after John George was reported missing.
His father, Billy George, was asked to identify his son’s body yesterday afternoon, but admitted he couldn’t face seeing his remains.
“I couldn’t face going in, I just couldn’t. I want to remember my son the way he was. He had been outside too long for me to bear seeing. We provided a photograph of him and his tattoos, and that was used,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
“It’s been a very difficult day.”
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John George’s remains are currently being held in a morgue in Alicante. An autopsy will now follow to determine the exact cause of death.
While DNA identification hasn’t been completed, Spanish police said “everything is pointing” to it being Mr George.
Mr George’s father was not on the search when John’s remains were discovered and instead was informed by police shortly before 5pm on Tuesday.
He said he was “disappointed” that he had not had any contact with the Spanish police since he was informed by phone his son’s body had been found.
“We are just devastated, we haven’t heard a single thing. I feel like we have done more for the investigation that they have,” he added.
“We are mentally exhausted and drained. I just want justice for my son now — and we will get justice.”
John George
In the last contact with his family on December 14, John George said he was planning on travelling to Benidorm.
He was due to fly home on December 18, but never boarded the plane.
A 32-year-old man from the Czech Republic has since been arrested.
He is expected to appear in a closed court session as soon as today in Torrevieja, a 25-minute drive south of Rojales.
In Spain, only trials take place in public.
There has been speculation that more arrests could follow.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Kevin Winters from KRW Law, who is aiding the George family, said the family are “emotionally drained” following the discovery.
“I spoke with Billy George last night and he was relieved his son’s remains have been found, but he obviously is incredibly distressed at having to identify his remains, which is taking place now,” he said.
“Equally, there is a traumatic ordeal of having to go through the autopsy of John George’s remains, which can take up to two weeks, so most of the family will likely remain in Spain until this is over, so they can bring their loved one back.”
Mr Winters said the family’s energy “has now been redeployed” into engaging with the Spanish investigation into Mr George’s death.
“The family have a lot of questions. One, if this man is the suspect or one of a series of suspects. Up until recently the police have been tight-lipped on what they have told the family, which is understandable from a logistical policing perspective, but at some point we expect them to get some basic information about his custody status,” he said.
“However, from speaking with the George family, they understand this arrest is significant.
“There is an unusual amount of conflicting emotions, because a huge amount of energy was dedicated to looking for John George’s body, but now this is refocused and realigned to investment in a full-scale murder investigation.
“The whole spectrum of emotions is in play; there are times the family are incredibly emotional. From a human level, anyone could understand they can barely sleep or eat — their existence has been suspended, they are living in a horrible reality.
“They are emotionally drained, especially because this is another jurisdiction and the fact that foul play is suspected.
“The family have anxieties over the state of the investigation, the suspect in custody and if there are going to be any more arrests — then they will finally decide to return home, but this could go on for weeks.”
In a statement, the PSNI said its thoughts were with the George family, and its family liaison officers were continuing to provide support to them.
Det Insp Jennifer Rea said: “My thoughts are, first and foremost, with Mr George’s family at this distressing time. Our dedicated Family Liaison Officers continue to provide support to the family, and we continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies.
“I am keen to reiterate our appeal for anyone with information that could assist the Spanish Investigation Team with their enquiries to please contact us on 101,” she added.
“Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with the Police Service through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk
“Information will be shared with Spanish Police.”