A heartbroken mum who claims she has waited almost three years for answers as to how and where her son lost his life has won an audience with MSPs to air her plight at the Scottish Parliament.

Brave Stephanie Bonner is campaigning for better support from police for families left to cope with the unexplained death of loved ones.

Her son Rhys, 19, was discovered lifeless in marshland between Easterhouse and Gartloch Village on August 8, 2019.

His death certificate says the cause was 'unascertained' - with Stephanie claiming that she does not know exactly where his body was found.

Glasgow Times: Rhys BonnerRhys Bonner (Image: Supplied)

Police Scotland claim the death was fully investigated and declared 'not suspicious'.

Now Stephanie, from Barlanark, has been invited by members of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee to give evidence on the issues raised by a petition to improve the way that unexplained deaths are dealt with.

It calls on MSPs to rally the Scottish Government and ask Police Scotland to review practices from the initial recovery of a body through to the support that it offers to grieving family members.

Stephanie, 39, said: “I’m overjoyed at being given the opportunity to voice my concerns in Holyrood.

“I still don’t know exactly where Rhys was found. Now I’m finally being given a platform to speak up for him.

"I can’t even go and put flowers where he died because I simply don't know where it was. It’s tearing me apart not having the answers I crave and the full picture of the circumstances around what happened to him." 

Community activist Alex O’Kane, who lodged the petition to parliament on Stephanie’s behalf, says the mum-of-five has been left in limbo as she waits for the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) ruling on the handling of a formal complaint she lodged.

Glasgow Times: Alex O'KaneAlex O'Kane (Image: Supplied)

Alex said: “This petition is not just about unexplained deaths, it’s also about the way families who have lost a loved one are treated and supported.

“Stephanie still isn’t sure of the exact location of where her son’s body was discovered. That is three years of birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries passing and she still can’t lay flowers at the spot where Rhys was discovered with any certainty.

“Stephanie is a strong lady and her campaign has gained traction and momentum. She will now have the opportunity to give evidence, to speak about her horrific experience at the highest platform in the land."

Stephanie says her world has been shattered by her son’s passing.

She added: "Rhys had everything to live for and doted on his siblings. He was caring and always happy-go-lucky, a good lad. Our lives have been torn apart by this."

Glasgow Times:

MSP Paul Sweeney called for Stephanie to be invited to present her case to the committee.

He said: “Fundamentally, the petition is about improving the way in which unexplained deaths are dealt with. In order to do that, it is vital that the committee hears first-hand from those with experience of the current system and its flaws, and the impact that can have on families who are grieving, as well as seeking answers and closure.”

A spokesman for the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee said: “Ms Bonner has been invited to give evidence on the issues raised by a petition."

A spokesman for Pirc added: “The review of this case is currently ongoing. We have provided the applicant’s representative with updates regarding the progress of the review.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A complaint about the police into the death of Rhys Bonner was fully investigated and the findings were provided to his family.

"Our sympathies remain with Stephanie Bonner and her family and friends. An offer to meet them was made at the conclusion of the investigation by the Professional Standards Department and that remains open.

"We understand that an appeal against these findings has been lodged with the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner, therefore we are unable to comment further."