FOLLOWING a verdict of unlawful killing regarding the death of pensioner Alf Sandford, his family have told the St Helens Star that they hope that one day justice will be done and the men who broke into the Sandford home on that fateful day will be charged with manslaughter.

Alf (72) died on July 24, 1998, after four robbers burst into his home, Grove House Farm, Elton Head Road, Sutton, and held him and his wife Inez (73) at gunpoint.

The father of five, had returned home from Whiston Hospital only two days earlier after suffering two heart attacks and he pleaded with the robbers to leave him and his wife of 51 years alone, to no avail. The elderly couple were held at gunpoint by one man, whilst three of the intruders searched the house.

The robbers left the house with a small amount of cash and Alf Sandford was taken ill at the scene. He died on arrival at Whiston Hospital.

Following their father's death, Alf's family and Thatto Heath Labour Club, where Alf was secretary, put up a £7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the robbers, but to this date they haven't been caught.

As a result of the coroner's verdict anyone now arrested for the robbery will also be charged with the manslaughter of Alf Sandford.

Following the Coroner's ruling at an inquest held at St Helens Hospital this week, Alf's daughter Patricia Leigh, told the Star: "The family still lives in hope that the people responsible for our father's death will one day be caught and justice will be done. The reward of £7,500 still stands."

Detective Chief Inspector Taffy Williams, said: "The inquiry into the robbery and Mr Sandford's death is still ongoing and just because the inquest is over the Sanford case is not closed."