THE FAMILY of 24-year-old Paul Rothwell, who was shot dead at his home in March, have finally been able to lay his body to rest at Pleasington Cemetery, Blackburn.

Paul's final journey began from his father Frank's house in Whitehead Street, Blackburn, opposite the house where he was shot.

At the cemetery, a service was conducted by Rev Herrick Daniel, who spoke of how Paul had been a kind person, always willing to use his hands or his heart to help those in need.

More than 40 mourners were led by Paul's father and mother Joyce.

Paul's brother Mark attended the service in handcuffs under a police escort and was among the first to pay his respects by throwing soil on to the coffin.

Floral tributes told how he looked after his family, and said he would never be forgotten.

Another read: "For the son I never had - you took that place. Rest in peace."

Two men have been committed for trial in connection with Paul's death. Kenneth Francis Hartley, 25, of Denville Road, Blackburn, is charged with murder.

Mark Thomas Elliott, 35, of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, is charged with impeding Hartley's arrest.

Both are due to appear at Preston Crown Court next month.

Thomas Clark, 33, of Melville Drive, Blackburn, and Karl Damien Hart, 25, of Briar Road, Blackburn, are accused of harbouring Hartley. They are due to be committed to the Crown Court on June 2.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.