THE mother of a former Bradford man found dead in the Malaysian jungle had said she remains convinced his death was suspicious.

Gareth Huntley, who lived and went to school in Apperley Bridge, went missing on Tioman Island on May 27 last year.

His body was discovered eight days later just a short distance away from the Juara turtle project, where he had been volunteering.

Mr Huntley's mother, Janet Southwell, has been in Malaysia this week to give evidence at an inquest into her son's death, which has now been adjourned until September 1.

Speaking outside the inquest, Mrs Southwell, who lives in the Bradford district, said: "It's a constant nightmare, you go from one extreme to the other.

"Where he was found, it was so, so close to the turtle project - 15 seconds walk and you were in the clearing.

"I don't believe he got lost. I think his death was suspicious."

Inside the courtroom, Mrs Southwell is said to have described her 34 year-old son as outgoing, incredibly fit, and healthy.

Mr Huntley's body was subject to a post-mortem examination, but the results were inconclusive.