A family are four years into an agonising wait for answers after the death of former Sittingbourne teacher Carl Davies.

It was November 9, 2011 when the 33-year-old’s body was discovered on French-administered Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean.

Initially, it was thought he had fallen into a ravine but a week later it was revealed he had been murdered.

His father, Andy, 56, said: “Never in a million years would I have thought that after four years we’d still be fighting to get justice for Carl. It’s really appalling.

“The four men charged with Carl’s murder are still in prison.

“We’re awaiting a date for a trial and then we will fly out there.”

A former Royal Marine, Carl, who lived in Harrier Drive, Sittingbourne, went on to teach at Sittingbourne Community College and the Isle of Sheppey Academy.

He left teaching to take up a role in security on a ship, which had been berthed on the island when he died.

The case has been postponed a number of times. It was due to have been heard last June, then August this year. The latest is that it will be at some point during the first six months of next year.

"With Sittingbourne, every time we went there, there were constant reminders of where Carl used to play football or go for a drink" - Andy Davies

“We’re hoping for a date soon,” Andy added. “We’ve come so far now, you almost get used to the fact we have been messed about by the French authorities. We believe very little they say.

“We have done everything we can do. We have beaten the drum very loudly over the years with the authorities and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It’s in the hands of lawyers now. We sit patiently and wait for justice.”

Meanwhile, Andy and his wife, Maria, have moved to Scotland from their former home in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, to be nearer their daughter, Kerrie, also formerly of Sittingbourne.

“We moved five months ago to get away from it all,” said Andy. “There was no peace for us from what had gone on.

“Kerrie wanted to come up here because she married a Scotsman. With Sittingbourne, every time we went there, there were constant reminders of where Carl used to play football or go for a drink.

“It’s the best thing we could have done because we are at peace with ourselves.”

And today, four years to the day since the Davies lost Carl, they planned to gather with family and friends to remember him.

“Me, Maria, Kerrie and a few close friends get together and we reflect on the good times,” said Andy. “It’s a quiet day in and we talk about the past and where we are now.”