Sympathy for sister 10 years after death

Father-of-two David Royle, 37, who sold cars, was gunned down on the night of May 25, 2001, in mysterious circumstances after becoming sucked into the criminal underworld.

Born in Halifax, he was brought up in Bradford and at the age of 16 joined the Army and served until he was 21. Later he sold double glazing before becoming involved in selling cars and, in Coroner Roger Whittaker’s words, descending into a “criminal milieu”.

Mr Royle’s marriage ended in 1996 and in 2001 he left England for Amsterdam where he got involved with Anthony Spencer – a convicted drugs smuggler. Spencer was charged with the shooting but at his subsequent trial successfully pleaded that he had panicked and acted in self-defence. An attempt to appeal the judgment also foundered.

Bradford Coroner’s Court heard yesterday Mr Whittaker outline from transcripts of court proceedings in Holland how Mr Royle had died. He said Mr Royle was going to pay Spencer money but as they talked in a car witnesses heard shots. Mr Whittaker also revealed Spencer had been beaten in the car “until he bled”. Both men were hit by bullets – Spencer from a .38 Special or a Magnum and Royle from a .22 gun.

Mr Whittaker added: “Spencer had a justified fear that Royle and others were after him. He acted in necessary defence of life and limb and shot Royle. He was compelled to perform the act.”

He said: “I cannot reach a conclusion that he was unlawfully killed because the evidence does not justify it.” Addressing Mr Royle’s sister, Melanie Royle, he said: “After so long all I can do is to offer to you my sympathy. This whole saga has been harrowing for you and your family and I admire the way you have dealt with it.”

Afterwards, Ms Royle said: “It is all a very long time ago but we miss him dearly. But as the coroner has said it is time to ‘move on’.”