THE father of a man who was killed in a suspected gang shooting more than 20 years ago is setting up a support group for the families who are still looking for justice.

Tony Corley, whose son Mark was found dead on a farm near Darlington in 2000, is working with Stacey Allan, sister of Nikki Allan, from Sunderland, who was seven when she was killed in 1992.

Neither of their killers has been found.

The pair have set up Murder No Justice and want to start running retreats for people in similar circumstances.

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Mr Corley, who lives in Nottinghamshire, said: "It's something I'm very passionate about. It's something that niggles at me from time to time.

"It's bad enough losing someone in that way and not getting justice but then realising there's no real proper support out there.

"You get so desperate at times you're shouting out for help.

"There's not enough support out there. I know a lot of people I've spoken to over the years who have struggled."

The Northern Echo: Tony Corley, father of murdered Mark Corley, who wants to run retreats for the families still searching for justice

The 68-year-old added: "No-one wants to go on about it all the time- they want to talk about other things but its nice to talk to someone who has gone through something like you have. You can relate to them.

"When I talk to people who haven't you find they can go a bit blank and its uncomfortable. But it's completely different with people who have experience."

They hope run their first retreat next spring and are encouraging anyone who thinks it is something they are interested in to get in touch by emailing murdernojustics44@gmail.com.

Mr Corley has previously run an online support group called 'The Mark Corley support talk UK for families and friends of those lost through murder',

His son Mark, from Lincolnshire, was 23 when he was found in a ditch at a farm near Bolam, near Darlington in December 2000.

Mark, who had been missing for five months, was shot in the head with a sawn-off shotgun and is believed to be victim of a gangland killing.

The gun still has not been found, and no-one has ever been convicted in connection with the death.

Mr Corley said he would never give up hope on his killers being brought to justice. He said: "Anything is possible. No-one knows what is round the corner. I'll never give up hope."

The Northern Echo: Nikki Allan was seven when she was killed. Her sister Stacey is involved with Murder No Justice

Nikki Allan was stabbed 37 times but her killer has never been found.

 

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