Issue 501 – Tributes to former Matravers student

CLASSMATES and teachers have been paying tribute to former Matravers student Private Matt Brooks, 18, who died after a violent disturbance in Portsmouth.

Private Brooks, who served with the Royal Logistics Corps after joining the army a year ago, died from severe head injuries after being injured outside a bar in the city centre.
Pte Brooks’ former tutor, Julian McMahon, was amongst those who were shocked to hear of the tragic event. “Matt was a member of my tutor group for three years and I was very saddened by the tragic news of his death,” he said. “He became a responsible and helpful member of the school community and was a boy of some real academic ability which was proved by a fine set of GCSE results.
“Matt was popular amongst both staff who taught him and his peers. He was a young man who commanded a real presence in the tutor room. He will be remembered as a cheerful and enthusiastic individual; a good sportsman and a reflective, intelligent thinker. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family.”
The school is remembering Matt in assemblies this week.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said,  “Our thoughts are with Private Brooks’ family and friends at this difficult time.”
A police investigation into the death has been opened, and they are currently examining forensic evidence and CCTV footage. A man is due to appear at court this week, charged with assault by beating.