Struggle for return of son's body

Gary was attacked by a gang of Spanish youths

The parents of a man murdered in Spain say they have been told they cannot have his body within the next four years unless his remains are cremated.

Gary Dunne, 22, from Liverpool, was attacked and stabbed to death by a gang of youths in a resort near Torremolinos on the Costa Del Sol in March 2006.

His parents have been waiting 20 months to try to get him flown home.

They say they want his body back intact to allow them to have the family funeral they could not have before.

The Spanish authorities said they could not comment on the case.

Mr Dunne's father Steve said that they got a phone call on Friday from the funeral director who told them they could have their son's body back, so they started to make funeral arrangements and contacted friends and family.

But just two days later on Monday they were told the remains of the young father would have to be cremated in Spain first.

'Messed about'

Mr Dunne Snr said he does not understand.

"It seems nonsense to me. All we were told was 'it is Spanish law'.

"If we couldn't cremate him or bury him then OK but to say we can have his ashes but not his body - I don't see the difference.

"We want Gary's body back for a proper family funeral. We've waited long enough now and the Spanish have messed us about for over 20 months."

I'll keep fighting until I get my son home Lee Dunne, mother

The family said they had been told by their Spanish solicitor that there was no reason for Mr Dunne's body to be held at all as the investigation and forensic examination were completed quickly.

A Spanish man has also been jailed for his murder.

Mr Dunne's mother Lee said: "I'm just totally distraught and totally devastated.

"We thought we'd have him back in time for Christmas and I could say goodbye and 'happy Christmas son' but now it seems it's not going to be that again.

"I can't do it. I don't know how much more they are going to throw at me.

"I can't understand why this is happening - but I'll keep fighting until I get my son home."

The Dunne's have now contacted MEP Arlene McCarthy and they are hoping she will be able to get things moving.