Victim impact statement - have you read one? Did it help? This is my experience...
We went to court today. We weren't sure if it was meant to be sentencing or just submissions. Everyone is totally bored and over it. I was running late and the second after I walked in the judge called me to read my victim impact statement. I hadn't read that document for months. I got upset and really lost it. It was so cold in that courtroom, with lawyers in wigs; I felt so out of place, they had invited me to speak but I wasn’t welcome, I nearly stopped midway and asked, “Why am I reading it to you?”
The lawyers then proceeded to argue for ages. The prosecution said she wasn't contrite. It took me half an hour to work out what that meant - remorseful. The defence lawyer said she couldn't get pain relief in prison and that she was suicidal. The judge adjourned the trial again for two weeks. He said that no matter what, he would sentence her next time.
Afterwards Andrea’s mother spoke with us and apologised for the delay. I much preferred it that we could at least talk to each other. Andrea apologised to Nanna again.
Tonight the news report slammed her, saying she couldn't go to jail because she wouldn't get her special meals and medication. I don’t think there are many people walking on this planet who could accidentally kill someone and not feel remorse?
Written on 25 Sep 2006
Over 8 years since incident
Tags:
Victim impact statement
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