Police believe body of missing dad Jack Hilding found in Biddenden field
by Nick Lillitos
A body found in a field near an electricity substation
is thought to be that of a man missing for more than three
months.
Police believe 23-year-old father Jack Hilding,
pictured right, was found dead in Biddenden yesterday
afternoon.
An intensive police search, involving a helicopter and tracker
dogs, was launched when Mr Hilding went missing from the
village on October 1.
His family feared for his well-being following a break-up with
his then partner Jemma Burton, from Canterbury, and mother of his
two-year-old son.
Police officers have told Mr Hilding's family about the
discovery of a body.
A spokesman said: "While no formal identification has yet taken
place, detectives believe it is the body of missing Jack
Hilding."
Mr Hilding's former partner Jemma Burton, of Tennyson
Avenue, Canterbury, said on Facebook: "Nothing can describe
how I feel right now, completely numb. Jack will always be loved
always in my heart rip Jack, my 1st love."
The message added: "Hope ur in a happy place see u in the next
life love u xxxxx."
Jack Hilding and Jemma
Burton with little Jack
An entry from Mr Hilding's stepmother Lucy said: "I just
want to take the time to thank you for your help in trying to find
Jack and the police and fire and rescue service for all their
efforts and hard work.
"All I want to say at this stage we all wanted a happy ending to
all this, but was not to be instead. All we're left with is broken
hearts God bless you all regards Jack Lucy and family."
Police said the body was found in a Biddenden field, near
Woolpack Corner, at about 2.50pm yesterday after a call
from power company UK Power Networks.
"He still looks out the window to see when he comes home...” – Jack Hilding's former partner Jemma Burton
It came amid a mini power cut in the Frittenden area, which is
being linked to the discovery of the body.
A police spokesman said the death is being treated as
"unexplained" and investigations are ongoing.
Mr Hilding's two-year-old son, also called Jack, was
left devastated by his disappearance - staring out of the
window every day waiting for him to return.
In an emotional New Year’s appeal, the toddler's mother Jemma,
21, said: "At the moment he thinks his dad’s van has broken down
and he tells me we need a screwdriver to fix it. He still looks out
the window to see when he comes home.
"He went out and earned his money and was a good family
man."
Jack grew up in Canterbury, where he lived with his grandmother
Esther Scamp in Reed Avenue.
17/01/13
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