THE widow of a former paratrooper paid tribute to her husband, who was killed while working as a private security guard in Afghanistan, as “courageous, heroic and powerful”.

The funeral of Shaun Sexton, who served with Colchester’s 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, was held at St Peter’s Church on North Hill this morning.

The town came to a standstill as Mr Sexton’s coffin, carried on a horse-drawn hearse and draped with the Union Jack, was taken to the church.

The 29-year-old was killed on July 2 during a Taliban raid on the offices of aid contractor Development Alternatives, in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan.

Mr Sexton, who had a baby daughter Poppy, was one of four guards working for security company Edinburgh International killed in the attack.

His widow Laura Sexton told the packed church: “He always said he would give his life for any man in 3 Para, but his selflessness and bravery meant he gave his life for people he didn’t even know.”