AN INQUEST into the death of 19-year-old Marine Georgie Sparks in Afghanistan last November has ruled that he was unlawfully killed.

Trowbridge Coroners Court today heard that Mr Sparks, from Theydon Mount, was killed after his troupe came under fire in the Taliban hotspot of Nad'e-Ali, a suburb of Lashkagar.

The court was told by members of his patrol, the 42 Royal Marine Commandos, that he had died trying to rescue another group of soldiers who were pinned down under enemy fire.

The group had received intelligence that a local walled compound, known as "Compound Crunchie", was being used by the Taliban for weapons storage.

The operation saw Georgie's group, 3 Patrol, enter the compound and secure it by 7:25am that morning.

A second group, 11 Section, was moving into a compound to the east but were pinned down by enemy fire from all directions.

Georgie, a sniper, went to the roof to provide cover so 11 Section could escape alongside his colleague Marine Tony Evans, 20, from Sunderland.

They immediately became the focus of the enemy's fire and shortly after 8am, their side of the roof was struck by an Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG).

The blast critically injured both men and Marine Evans was thrown off the roof and outside the compound.

Although Georgie was given first aid, Pathologist Dr Nicholas Hunt said he believed his injuries were so severe that he died immediately.

When Coroner David Ridley asked witnesses to describe those injuries, Corporal Jonathan Prideaux said: "I would put his injuries at a nine out of ten, they were very severe. I looked into his eyes and to me it looked as if he was dead."

After being evacuated under heavy enemy fire, both men were transferred to a nearby airfield where an emergency helicopter took them back to their base, Camp Bastion.

Sadly, both men were declared dead while in the air.

Giving evidence, Captain Graham Smith of 42 commando said that common law dictated that if the person who fired the RPG had been caught, they would have been charged with murder.

Summing up, Coroner Ridley offered his condolences to Georgie's parents, Wayne and Toni, who had attended the inquest, and added: "What amazes me is the sheer bravery of these young men. Obviously their actions in trying to rescue their colleague made them a target for enemy fire, because they were so good at their jobs."

He read aloud tributes to Georgie from fellow Marines, including Lance Corporal Lee Smith.

"He was, and always will be, our Troop's 'Baby'. But don't believe for a second that counted against him. Wherever we were, whether on camp, in a compound, or on sentry, this man's smile could light up your darkest day.

"His life revolved around his two passions: his family and his shooting. He was the perfect soldier, the perfect friend. His hand was always up for any task, and he gave everything he had, and more. But the first place and last place he remains is in our hearts and in our minds forever."

Speaking after the verdict was delivered, Georgie's father Wayne Sparks said: "He was just a lovely boy, it's a massive loss in our lives. We miss him so much everyday, life will never be the same again."