EFREM and Sharon Brynin had to do what no parents should ever have to.

They had to bury their own son, Lance Corporal James Brynin.

In 2013, James, from Shoreham, was killed in a friendly fire incident when Lance Corporal Mark Kelly “did not take sufficient care and fired in rapid succession” while resting his gun on the helmet of a fellow soldier.

James was just 22.

The parents’ lives were turned upside down as they tried to come to terms with their loss.

They desperately searched for answers but also craved support.

Support which they did not receive.

The failings of the Ministry of Defence were made clear by West Sussex senior coroner Penelope Schofield at the inquest last year.

As part of a narrative verdict, Ms Schofield said: “There appeared to have been a complete lack of empathy and the family has been let down.”

Efrem said the MoD had sought to excuse themselves of any wrongdoing.

All he and his family wanted to know was what had happened to James.

He had given his life to the armed forces, had put himself in danger for Queen and country and ultimately paid the ultimate sacrifice.

He and his family deserved so much more than the way the MoD dealt with his loved ones in the weeks and months after his death.

What has happened cannot be undone, but the MoD must take this opportunity to make amends.

If one good thing comes from Lance Corporal James Brynin’s death it is that no family should ever go through what his loved ones endured.