Now leave us to grieve at last..

Shoreham families' relief at crash pilot appeal loss

- DAN WARBURTON

FAMILIES who lost loved ones in the Shoreham air disaster have told of their relief after pilot Andy Hill lost his bid to return to the skies.

The former BA pilot has been grounded for life despite a desperate attempt to reclaim his flying licence.

Hill, 60, had launched an appeal to the Civil Aviation Authority, sparking outrage from families of the 11 men killed when his Hawker Hunter jet ploughed into the A27 in West Sussex.

But yesterday the CAA rejected his appeal, meaning the former RAF instructor is unlikely to ever fly again.

Bob Schilt, 70, and wife Caroline, 64, whose son Jacob, 23, died in the inferno, hoped Hill will now "accept responsibility". Caroline said: "Finally, we can have some peace after nearly 10 years since the terrible loss of our son Jacob, at the hands of Andrew Hill.

"We are so relieved this agonising period of uncertainty is over and we hope he will finally accept responsibility for the events of August 22, 2015, and leave us to grieve peacefully at last."