7 May 2011

'No surprises' for NZ father in bombing inquest

1:49 pm on 7 May 2011

The father of the New Zealander killed in the London suicide bombings in 2005 says the coroner's findings hold no surprises.

In recording a verdict of unlawful killing, a coroner in Britain criticised delays in the emergency services' response but said this did not cause the death of any of the 52 people killed by the bombers.

Lady Justice Hallett made recommendations regarding British domestic security service MI5 and criticised lapses, though at the same time praised its efforts.

New Zealander Shelley Mather died in an explosion on a Piccadilly Line tube train.

Her father John Mather gave evidence to the inquest from Auckland via a video link during the 19-week hearing.

"My attitude has always been that these murderers are insignificant people who, while they murdered 52 people, they have no claim to any consideration or standing other than murderers.

"I didn't expect to find that there was some massive organisation behind the clowns," he said.

Four British Islamists detonated bombs on three packed Underground trains at Aldgate, Edgware Road and Russell Square and a double decker bus in Tavistock Square on 7 July 2005.

As well as killing themselves and the 52 others, they injured over 700 people.