A BRITISH former paratrooper who went to fight Russians in Ukraine was shot dead by an Australian soldier who is still at large, an inquest heard yesterday.
Daniel Burke, 36, was hit in the head, neck and chest by fellow volunteer Abdelfetah “Jihadi Adam” Nourine, 27, on a disused firing range.
Chris EadesDaniel Burke, pictured with dad Kevin, was shot dead by an Australian soldier who is still at large[/caption]
Chris EadesAbdelfetah ‘Jihadi Adam’ Nourine shot Daniel in the head, neck and chest on a disused firing range[/caption]
He hid Daniel’s body in a drain but later led local police to the scene and told them the death was an accident.
He was detained but fled Ukraine and Daniel’s family suspect he is in Australia.
A Greater Manchester Police investigation ruled it would have been “impossible” for Nourine to fire his AK-74 rifle by accident.
Detective Sergeant Danielle Bullivant agreed the killing was “homicide” when questioned by Coroner Zac Golombek at Manchester coroner’s court.
He said there was no evidence of a fall-out between Daniel, from Manchester, and Nourine, a dual Australian-Algerian national.
Mr Golombek concluded Daniel was unlawfully killed and told his family they should be “proud” he was “fighting for liberal values”.
His family said: “Dan’s life was taken in a cowardly act.
“The man in question has admitted murder but still no action from Ukrainian or Australian authorities.”
Greater Manchester Police said efforts continue to find Nourine.
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