Latest news with #victimImpact
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Southport killer's brother denied full inquiry access
The brother of Southport killer Axel Rudakubana will be blocked from accessing sensitive evidence about the victims of the attack after their families expressed "grave concerns" to a public inquiry. Dion Rudakubana has been listed as a core participant in the Southport Inquiry, who are usually legally represented and are able to ask questions of participants - those deemed to have a "significant interest" in proceedings - are usually entitled to be given all the of the inquiry Sir Adrian Fulford, said he was "unreservedly persuaded" that allowing the killer's brother full access would act as a "major obstacle" for the families of the victims. But he stated this should not infer any criticism of Mr families whose children were injured in the Southport attack last year are giving evidence to the public inquiryThe two-phase inquiry is taking place at Liverpool Town is examining events surrounding the murders of Alice Aguiar, nine; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and six-year-old Bebe King, as well as the attempted murders of eight other children and two adults. Some of the families and one adult victim had expressed concern about Dion Rudakubana being able to listen to impact statements about the effects of 29 July 2024 - and commemorative pen portraits about the children involved. In a ruling published by the inquiry, Sir Adrian, a retired senior judge, wrote: "These anxieties have been expressed in the strongest terms." He said the victims and families were concerned about Mr Rudakubana being able to learn their identities and "highly sensitive and distressing information about the injuries sustained and medical treatment".Sir Adrian said that while it was usual that core participants had full access to all the evidence disclosed and were able to attend all parts of the hearing, he had "broad discretion" as chairman of the inquiry. He also stressed that his decision should not be taken as any criticism of Dion Rudakubana and added that no "adverse inference" should be drawn. "The basis of this ruling is the wholly understandable impacts on the victims and their families, all of whom are traumatised, of a member of [Rudakubana's] family having access to sensitive materials concerning the detail of the attack and its impact on the victims," he ruled that Dion Rudakubana would not have access to any advanced disclosure of evidence from after the time his brother got into the taxi that took him to the scene of the attack in Southport's Hart will also not be served with the victim impact statements or pen portraits of the children attacked, and will not be permitted to attend the inquiry or listen over a video link to those parts of the proceedings. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Meth-addled car thief who ran over and killed a police officer after a high-speed car chase learns his fate
A drug-affected car thief who ran over and killed a young policeman while trying to escape arrest will spend more than a decade in prison. Reagan Ainslie Chown, 25, was convicted of manslaughter over the late-night June 8, 2023 incident that led to Constable Anthony Woods' death in Ascot, east Perth. He was sentenced in the Western Australian Supreme Court on Thursday to a head sentence of 15 years and six months, and a minimum term of 13 years and six months. Const Woods' mother Natalie said her heart was 'ripped' away the day her son died. 'My beautiful son Anthony was so full of life, energy and ambition,' she said as she read her victim impact statement to the court. 'He was doing his duty and he was protecting his community and his future was taken away.' Ms Woods said her family continued to suffer and 'each anniversary, birthday and any moment we shared with him is now painful for us'. 'Whatever he did, he had a great passion... he was larger than life, but his love for his family was number one,' she said. Chown and two others fled from police in a stolen Holden Cruz in a high-speed chase before turning into a cul-de-sac and coming to a stop. Const Woods, 28, opened the driver's door and tried to detain Chown, who was behind the steering wheel with the engine running. Chown put the car into reverse and accelerated in a bid to escape. The officer fired his Taser into the moving car before falling and being dragged under the vehicle, where he became trapped. CCTV footage played during the trial in May showed the Holden reversing at speed, mounting a kerb and stopping after it hit a bollard. During the video, Const Woods can be heard twice saying 'stay where you are' and 'Taser' as the vehicle moved backwards. The officer died several days after the incident from complications of cardiac arrest caused by mechanical compression of the chest and abdomen. Chown was under the influence of methamphetamine and in possession of the drug when the incident happened. During his trial, he argued he was not responsible for the tragedy because the officer shot him with a Taser and it caused him to lose control of a stolen car. Justice Joseph McGrath said Chown intended to flee police and ignored the officer's lawful commands. 'Undoubtedly, the Taser caused you pain and discomfort, but your course of conduct was set and it was done consciously and deliberately,' he said. 'Even if you were not tasered, you would have reversed and that was your intention.' Const Woods, who had just passed his probation, was farewelled before about 2,000 police officers, family, friends and dignitaries at Perth's Optus Stadium. Chown was initially accused of murder but the charge was downgraded to manslaughter a week before his trial. He was also convicted of stealing the car and reckless driving to escape police and was also sentenced for those offences.
CTV News
30-06-2025
- CTV News
Family of Sudbury murder victim describe ‘scars' and ‘trauma' they have endured
Felicity Altiman, 44, could spend as few as 12 years behind bars before she's eligible for parole for the December 2020 murder of an elderly man in his own apartment. Felicity Altiman, 44, could spend as few as 12 years behind bars before she's eligible for parole for the December 2020 murder of an elderly man in his own apartment. Justice Dan Cornell heard sentencing submissions on Monday, including two victim impact statements. In October 2024, following a three-week trial, Altiman was found guilty of second-degree murder, which carried an automatic 25-year life sentence. Robert Keskinen The body of Robert Keskinen was found in his Kathleen Street apartment on Boxing Day 2020. He had been stabbed to death. (Obituary photo) It was in connection with the death of 75-year-old Robert 'Bob' Keskinen, whose body was found Boxing Day 2020 inside his Kathleen Street apartment. He had been stabbed more than 100 times and a part of his body mutilated. Bragged about stealing from him Altiman had been staying at an apartment in the same building and left a small Christmas Eve gathering to visit the older neighbour, whom she had bragged about stealing from before. She returned several hours later with bags of items, later found to belong to Keskinen. Keskinen's cousin and older brother read victim impact statements on Monday. Richard 'Allan' Keller, who had testified during the trial to finding the body, said witnessing the scene has left him with 'emotional scars and flashbacks,' and a 'deep sadness.' Altiman trial Felicity Altiman, 43, is accused in the December 2020 stabbing death of Robert Keskinen, who was 75 when his remains were found inside his Kathleen Street apartment on Boxing Day. (File) Edward Keskinen, Bob's older brother described 'a depth of loss' and a 'constant emptiness in our home,' adding that the family is left with an 'aching question in our hearts: why?' 'I will continue to carry his voice' The elder Keskinen also described psychological scars and heartbreak at the tragic loss of his brother. 'I will continue to carry his voice and his love with me,' Edward read from his victim impact statement. Crown attorney Kaely Whillans argued that Altiman not be eligible for parole until she's served 20 years behind bars. Submissions to Justice Dan Cornell included a Gladue Report, which considers an Indigenous offender's background when they are sentenced. Details revealed in Altiman's report included a difficult upbringing that included physical and sexual abuse, long-time drug addiction and generational trauma. After the submissions, the judge allowed Altiman to address the court, where she said she was sorry and asked for forgiveness. Cornell will now take all the recommendations and details into consideration and announce his decision at a later date.
CTV News
26-06-2025
- CTV News
American man pleads guilty to striking woman with his car in Windsor
An American man has pleaded guilty to striking a woman with his car in Windsor. Shermere Coulston-Hawkins, now 24, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing bodily harm and choking. From Philadelphia, Coulston-Hawkins had also been charged with attempted murder, forcible confinement and leaving the scene of an accident. On the evening of Dec. 23, 2023, the victim was struck by a car near Riverside Drive and Ferry Street. Police say however the woman had been previously assaulted by the man at a different location. '(Coulston-Hawkins) choked (the victim),' Assistant Crown Attorney Zach Battiston told the court Thursday. 'He ultimately struck (the victim) with his car and caused her injuries. And he just left her there.' Victim Injuries The woman describes her injures as 'extremely devastating', including head trauma and broken teeth. 'It is only by God that I am able to be present today considering I woke up unconscious after being struck by the offenders' vehicle,' the woman wrote in her victim impact statement. She has been diagnosed with a concussion, cognitive impairment and suffers migraines. The woman has undergone two surgeries and a bone graft. 'I live with a constant fear for my safety. I am no longer normal,' the woman wrote. Accused apologies At his sentencing hearing Thursday, Coulston-Hawkins apologized for his actions. 'I never intended to come to Canada and cause any problems,' Coulston-Hawkins told Justice Kelly Gorman. 'I intended to have a great time with (the victim) and spend quality time with her.' Court learned Coulston-Hawkins turned himself in to a police officer at the hospital when he tried to search for where she was taken the next day, Dec. 24, 2023. He has been in custody ever since. Coulston-Hawkins says he has been a 'model inmate' while incarcerated and he has 'taken advantage' of courses offered in jail and has found God. 'I'm severely sorry for the trauma that has been inflicted on (the victim) and her family. Lawyers differ on sentence Defence lawyer Evan Weber is asking for a jail sentence of 18 months, noting Coulston-Hawkins is a first-time offender in Canada and the United States and is likely to be deported when his sentence is served. The Crown on the other hand, is asking for a prison term of four to eight years. Justice Gorman will sentence Coulston-Hawkins on Aug. 6.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man who beat pensioner to death over gate row jailed for 12 years
A man has been jailed for 12 years for killing his elderly neighbour in a row over shutting a gate. Trevor Gocan, 57, punched and kicked James 'Jim' O'Neill, 74, outside their housing estate in Covent Garden, central London, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. He died in hospital two weeks later. Southwark Crown Court heard on Thursday how the two exchanged words after Gocan left a gate open on the estate. CCTV showed the confrontation lasted less than 90 seconds before Mr O'Neill was on the ground with serious injuries. Judge Sally-Ann Hales KC said told Gocan: 'Your unlawful actions on October 6 2024 caused the death of Jim O'Neill, a much-loved father and grandfather. 'You did not need to defend yourself – the truth is, you lost your temper and control. You walked away. Mr O'Neill did not. 'He was much older than you. 'In his shorts and Crocs, he presented no serious threat. Had you genuinely felt threatened, you could have walked away.' She said the attack, which included a punch and two kicks, carried a 'high risk' of causing grievous bodily harm or death. 'You did absolutely nothing,' she said. 'Your remorse, if genuine, has taken a long time coming.' The court heard a 12-year-old boy witnessed the final kick and watched as his mother and grandmother tried to help the victim. Mr O'Neill's widow, Sara, said she had been left 'completely devastated' and haunted by nightmares. 'Jim was not only my husband for 49 years but my soulmate,' she said in a victim impact statement. 'I feel depressed, often crying, haunted by dark thoughts. 'I struggle to sleep and have recurring nightmares witnessing the love of my life bleeding on the floor.' She said she had been forced to put their home up for sale and had not left the flat for weeks after the attack. Their son, Amos O'Neill, said he saw his father 'start to lose consciousness' and told the court: 'We never got justice in the courtroom.' Gocan denied wrongdoing but was convicted of manslaughter by a jury on May 1. Prosecutor Lisa Wilding KC said the violence went 'well beyond' a single punch and involved the use of a 'shod foot' – in a shoe or boot – as a weapon. Defence barrister Benjamin Aina KC said the attack was 'completely out of character' and added that Gocan had no previous convictions. However, he had received a caution in 2012 for pushing his wife. The court also heard how Gocan was a carer for his children, one of whom has autism. In a letter read aloud in court, he said: 'I am so very, very sorry. Words cannot describe the remorse and regret that I feel. 'I take full responsibility for what happened. 'I failed my children, religion, myself, and above all Mr O'Neill.' Judge Hales told him: 'I am satisfied that Mr O'Neill's death was caused in an unlawful act falling just short of GBH. 'You told the jury you dialled 999 – your phone bore no trace of this call. 'The truth is you did absolutely nothing.' Gocan, who wore grey prison-issue sweatpants, showed no emotion as the sentence was passed. He must serve two-thirds of the 12-year sentence in custody before he can be considered for release on licence. Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from Specialist Crime South – who led the investigation – said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr O'Neill, who lost a loved one in shocking circumstances. 'The killer acted disgracefully, punching and kicking his victim in full view of members of the public – among them children – on a busy Sunday morning. 'The jury's verdict shows that casual, thuggish violence will not be tolerated on London's streets. There was absolutely no excuse for Gocan's conduct.'
