After John George’s family met with the PSNI today, they welcomed the force’s commitment to “upscale communication with Spanish Police”.
The most important issue for them is the return of the 37-year-old father-of-two’s body, although a second autopsy report has yet to be completed.
It was found last Tuesday in Rojales, around 40 minutes south of Alicante, under trees on a farm, nearly three weeks after he was reported missing.
His disappearance on December 14 prompted a huge search, with supporters flying out to aid the family as they searched for their loved one’s remains.
On Friday, a 32-year-old man was brought to court in Spain after being arrested as part of the murder investigation.
JG
He has since been released on bail by an investigating judge pending an ongoing criminal probe, and denies involvement in the alleged murder.
In a statement given to the Belfast Telegraph shortly after the George family met with the PSNI, their solicitor, Kevin Winters, said they were pleased with the assurances they had been given.
Mr Winters, of KRW Law, said: “Today we met with the PSNI together with the family to discuss the latest outworkings of the Spanish authorities’ investigation into the killing of Mr George.
“We are pleased to report that assurances were given on upscaling communication with Spanish Police to access key information on the current status of their investigation.”
On Friday, members of Mr George’s family returned from Alicante where they had spent nearly three weeks looking for the Twinbrook man’s body.
Mr George’s father, Billy, said it was “heartbreaking” to arrive back in Northern Ireland without his son, but vowed he will “get him justice”.
John George’s family with father Billy George in the centre pictured after arriving home from Spain at Belfast International Airport on Friday.
Homecoming for family of Belfast man John George found dead in Spain
He also vowed never to return to Alicante and denounced the ongoing investigation.
“I will be bringing my son home. I won’t be abandoning him, we want justice for John George, and we will get it,” he added.
Mr Winters said the family’s “most important issue” is returning their son’s body back to Belfast. John George’s remains are currently in a morgue in Alicante, where he will remain until an autopsy is completed.
“To date, despite the recovery of John’s remains almost one week ago, it remains unclear as to when the autopsy will be concluded,” said Mr Winters.
“Importantly police confirmed today they will help facilitate all steps towards completion of a second post mortem report on the deceased. The family feel very strongly about that so the assurances given this afternoon are very welcome.”
The George family also said the PSNI have informed them they have “undertaken” processes to obtain “information the Spanish feel they can impart at this stage without impinging upon the sensitivities of the various inquiries”.
“We have also learned that police will assist as far as possible in the investigation of any links of suspects and persons of interest in Belfast,” added Mr Winters.
“In doing so, PSNI stress again that this is an extra jurisdictional investigation so any steps of a proactive nature must – unless anything changes – be taken upon direction of the Spanish police.
“The key message from today’s meeting is the undertaking given by police to the family that they will act as an information conduit with the Spanish.
“To date the family have been very frustrated with what they see as a communication deficit with the Spanish. To that end anything that can help address this information gap has to be welcomed.”
Mr Winters also confirmed the George family will meet again the PSNI in two weeks time to discuss any relevant updates.
Meanwhile in Spain, various tributes have been left at the scene where John George’s remains were recovered.
Photographs shared across social media show blue bouquet of flowers left near a fence in the Rojales area alongside pictures of the west Belfast man. Candles were also pictured at the scene.
O’Neill’s funeral directors, who are working alongside the George family in advance of Mr George’s funeral, have also opened a book of condolences for those wishing to leave a message for the family.