Father and son deaths verdict (From Barry And District News)

Father and son deaths verdict

A BARRY family torn apart by a series of heart-wrenching tragedies are now looking to the future after the inquests into the death of father and son.

Fifteen-year-old Ben Greening died of multiple injuries after being struck by a train on the Dinas Powys line while taking a shortcut home last October.

A pathology report confirmed that the St Cyres schoolboy's blood showed no trace of drugs and alcohol and a verdict of accidental death was recorded.

The court also heard how Ben's dad Richard took his own life seven days after his beloved son died.

It is believed the 52-year-old plasterer snapped after a week of grief.

He attacked his wife Sarah with a hammer at their Church Road home, leaving her with horrific head injuries before committing suicide.

Distraught Mr Greening, a father-of-four, walked into the path of the train on the exact spot where Ben was hit.

Detective Constable Paul James told the Court how a week after his son died, Richard rang his brother to say: "I'm going to join Ben."

He then travelled to the same spot on the Dinas Powys railway line.

Det Con James added: "The train driver saw him step out on the line. The man appeared to be waiting for the impact when the train hit him."

Richard was killed instantly from multiple injuries. A verdict of suicide was recorded.

The inquests were just another reminder of the tragedy that left a father and son dead, a mother critically ill and three daughters in total shock.

Sixteen-year-old Abby, Hayley 14 and Jessica, 6, are now being cared for by relatives.

Ben's maternal grandfather, Steve Mortimer-Brown, said: "The family have been devastated by these tragedies."

He also spoke of mum Sarah's battle to recover. Police investigating the death of her husband found the 32-year-old lying unconscious with horrendous injuries. She was rushed to University Hospital Wales before being moved to Rookwood.

Mr Mortimer-Brown said: "Sarah is improving daily, sitting up and talking. She doesn't know Richard is dead but she is aware that her son is gone. We're speaking to the psychologist this week to see if she is strong enough to know everything."

l Read Sarah's remarkable recovery story exclusively in next week's News.