Inquest concludes on blast Marine

A Royal Marine from Halesowen was killed while searching for bombs as he patrolled in Afghanistan, an inquest heard today.

Jonathan Crookes, aged 26, had been leading a company of troops through Sangin District in Helmand Province. The area is one of the most volatile in the war-torn country.

An inquest heard the Marines were less than a mile from their base when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated, injuring three troops, including a United States soldier.

Attempts were made to rescue the five injured serviceman, including Marine Crookes, but the reservist died from his injuries, an inquest at Smethwick Coroners' Court heard today.

Marine Crookes' family including his mother, Susan, and fiancee, Danni Davis, were at the inquest today, led by Black Country coroner Robin Balmain. The inquest conclusion was unlawful killing.