THE family of a Backwell man who was abducted and murdered in Cambodia say justice has been done after the killers were jailed.

THE family of a Backwell man who was abducted and murdered in Cambodia say 'justice has been done' after the killers were jailed.

The four ex-members of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge were jailed for their part for the murder of Christopher Howe and his colleague Houn Hourth.

Christopher had been working with the Mine Advisory Group (MAG) in Cambodia since 1995. He was killed near Siem Reap a year later aged 37.

His sister, Patricia Phillips, said: "My father Roy Howes and I welcome the verdict of the court and feel that at last justice has been done.

"Although we have never sought revenge we are pleased that the murderers of Christopher and Hourth have been brought to account.

"I am just sorry my mother, who sadly died in 2007, has not lived to see that justice has finally been done."

Three of the killers were jailed for 20 years and a fourth for 10 years, while a fifth man was acquitted by the Phnom Penh court.

Ms Phillips, of Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, said: "We are enormously proud of Christopher, he did not leave his team, although he had the chance.

"Such actions, when you know the danger you are faced with, take an enormous amount of courage.

"He was an extraordinarily brave man, dedicated to assisting the people of Cambodia to rid their country of landmines and was awarded the highest posthumous award for his bravery, the Queen's Gallantry Medal in 2001."

MAG chief executive Lou McGrath said: "For more than 12 years the families of our colleagues have been fighting for this verdict.

"Hopefully now, the loved ones of Christopher and Hourth can finally move on with their lives."

* TO LEAVE a tribute to Christopher click on the 'obituaries' section under regulars.