by Alan Smith

ajsmith@thekmgroup.co.uk

The family of a soldier killed in action while in Afghanistan has raised concerns about the lack of air cover and told ministers they should do some "soul-searching".

Diane Bell said after the inquest into the death of her son, Corporal Ivano Violino, she was concerned about the implications for other soldiers still serving in Afghanistan.

She said: "Air cover was requested and was not provided. It would not have helped my son, but the boys out there should have all the air cover they need."

She told commanding officer Lt Col Gerald Ewart–Brookes: "It makes me very angry that you are out there to do an important job and you are not getting the support you need. You’re like a sculptor without a chisel."

Speaking for the family, Cpl Violino’s father-in-law Paul Bearsley expressed their gratitude to 36 Engineer Regiment for the support they had received following their loss, and to the coroner for conducting a fair and thorough inquiry.

But he said: "I would also like to ask the politicians to do some soul-searching, to look into their heart of hearts, and to tell me if it was their sons and daughters out there that they would feel confident that everything possible was being done to protect them."

Cpl Violino, known as Sean, from Kings Hill, died on September 17, 2007, when a pressure-pad bomb detonated underneath the wheel of his dumpster truck.

He was the first fatality sustained by the 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment, based in Maidstone, during the current conflict in Afghanistan.

Deputy assistant coroner Christopher Sutton-Mattocks ruled on Wednesday that Cpl Violino was "Killed in action while on Her Majesty’s service".

Cpl Violino leaves a wife, Katey, who lives in Maidstone, and nine-year-old twins Ellie and Lewis from a previous relationship.

For more on this story, see www.kentmessenger.co.uk