5/15/2012--Sentencing

[Sailor Bug]

Tori's brother's impact statement

When I was asked write my statement, I didn’t know what to write. What is there to write when there are no words to describe the impact this whole thing has left on me. Not everyone knows how it feels to have your world ripped out from under you in less than a day.

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/raffertytrial/2012/05/15/19760666.html

raying: Oh my gosh reading this from Tori's brother has me weeping...again

Just so heartbreaking :tears::heartluv:

I do pray Tara and Rodney take to heart their son's words today and for his sake...heal

 

[crazyladi]

Well the sentence was what we expected, I guess. I hope he is never, ever granted parole.

He was clearly crying just for himself, probably thinking how these victim impact statements were messing up his chances of getting a lighter sentence. He sure had no tears for Tori during the trial.

And I think his offer to talk to Tara privately is the most disgusting thing. Just disgusting. If he had something to tell, he had his chance. All he's doing is twisting the knife a little more, and exerting the last tiny bit of power he has: hey, Tara, I have a secret, I know all about how your little girl died, play my game and I'll tell you. But of course it wouldn't be the truth (even if it was, how could you trust him?) and he's just trying to pile a little more suffering on a woman who has had more than anyone should have to bear.

Tink

I found it weird that he started crying when daryn's letter was read. I dont think Daryn read it right? Anyways I wonder if something happened to him as a child that is why he started crying.. Not saying at all that it wasnt tears for himself I just found it odd he would do it for Daryns letter. JMO

 

[Sailor Bug]

All victim impact statements
http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/raffertytrial/2012/05/15/19761051.html

 

[Flowercb]

well there ya go...


guess that "sorry" to the family rings kinda hollow now

Unbe<modsnip>lievable!:nono::rage: Just catching up I was out during the victim impact and sentencing. So what did this apology accomplish!

 

[Bravo]

I knew he would speak :banghead: He has to have the last word. I guess he also did what i feared. Left Tara still haunted by him just a tad more. Alot more subtle than Davis but just had to get in the last word and pile on some more pain.

 

[nettie_82]

What Rafferty said in court

I wanted to come to this courtroom defending myself. And after hearing the victim impact statements, I think there is something more important to say. To Tara McDonald, for the past three years I've had so much to say on my behalf. Nobody has all the pieces of the puzzle and I'm willing to give you those pieces if you'd like that.

I know this has been a long ordeal for everybody and I'm glad that it's come to an end. Hopefully everybody will find some closure of some sort to me being sentenced to life.

I am truly sorry to the entire family, not that that has much bearing to any of you coming from my mouth. But it's still true. I stayed quiet this entire trial thinking it was for my defence, thinking it was for the better. But I do have something to say and that is for Tara McDonald alone, without the media, without spectators. So at least you know it will be true, or as true as you are willing to believe it, without other people listening in, without it being to my benefit.

I still disagree with the conviction of these three charges. I am guilty of many crimes and there are a lot of things I am very very ashamed of. But these three counts I still stand firmly being not guilty.

As I said I would fill in the blanks for you if you wish. However that can be seen through the courts or the institution where I'll be staying.

To your son, I believe that impact statement hit me the hardest. I can only imagine if something like that came from the mouth of my own son. I have a lost a child before but I have no idea what you have gone through. I cannot imagine what you've gone through. For that I'm very sorry. As I said, I am standing behind not guilty of these convictions. Notwithstanding though, I do believe that I am a very definite part of why Victoria is not here today. Once again, I'm very sorry... not that  half of you or any of you will believe me. But as I said, I have stayed quiet, thinking that that was to my defense, not thinking of how it may impact the family of Victoria Stafford. That's all I have to say.

Michael Rafferty

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/raffertytrial/2012/05/15/19761156.html

 

[nettie_82]

What Rafferty said in court


To your son, I believe that impact statement hit me the hardest. I can only imagine if something like that came from the mouth of my own son. I have a lost a child before but I have no idea what you have gone through. I cannot imagine what you've gone through. For that I'm very sorry. As I said, I am standing behind not guilty of these convictions. Notwithstanding though, I do believe that I am a very definite part of why Victoria is not here today. Once again, I'm very sorry... not that  half of you or any of you will believe me. But as I said, I have stayed quiet, thinking that that was to my defense, not thinking of how it may impact the family of Victoria Stafford. That's all I have to say.

Michael Rafferty

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/raffertytrial/2012/05/15/19761156.html

So confirmation from himself he has a son...he has lost a child, and he admits to guilt on some level.

 

[Kittymama]

I couldn't agree with you more. It would honestly torment the hell out of me if I were in her shoes now. The proof is still in the evidence and I don't believe for a second it would change her mind of the verdict, but I know I would always wonder what it is he knows and wants to say to me.

Why offer it to Tara and not Rodney?

Sorry, this has probably been mentioned already (I'm behind) but...

Because Tara is a woman, and Rafferty is disrespectful and hateful towards women. He thinks they're stupid and he can manipulate them no problem. True psychopath. Ugh.

I heard on the news that Tara said she will NEVER meet with Rafferty.

 

[nettie_82]

RAW VIDEO: Comments from Tara McDonald

http://www.lfpress.com/video/raw-video:-comments-from-tara-mcdonald/1640720598001

 

[LilyMacBloom]

As I said, I am standing behind not guilty of these convictions.

Notwithstanding though, I do believe that I am a very definite part of why Victoria is not here today

To the first sentence I reply RUBBISH!

To the second....YA THINK??????????? DUH..

shaking my head here...he just should have stayed shut up~I didn't hear you before and i didn't want to hear you now...

 

[BorgQueen]

What Rafferty said in court

I wanted to come to this courtroom defending myself. And after hearing the victim impact statements, I think there is something more important to say. To Tara McDonald, for the past three years I've had so much to say on my behalf. Nobody has all the pieces of the puzzle and I'm willing to give you those pieces if you'd like that.

I know this has been a long ordeal for everybody and I'm glad that it's come to an end. Hopefully everybody will find some closure of some sort to me being sentenced to life.

I am truly sorry to the entire family, not that that has much bearing to any of you coming from my mouth. But it's still true. I stayed quiet this entire trial thinking it was for my defence, thinking it was for the better. But I do have something to say and that is for Tara McDonald alone, without the media, without spectators. So at least you know it will be true, or as true as you are willing to believe it, without other people listening in, without it being to my benefit.

I still disagree with the conviction of these three charges. I am guilty of many crimes and there are a lot of things I am very very ashamed of. But these three counts I still stand firmly being not guilty.

As I said I would fill in the blanks for you if you wish. However that can be seen through the courts or the institution where I'll be staying.

To your son, I believe that impact statement hit me the hardest. I can only imagine if something like that came from the mouth of my own son. I have a lost a child before but I have no idea what you have gone through. I cannot imagine what you've gone through. For that I'm very sorry. As I said, I am standing behind not guilty of these convictions. Notwithstanding though, I do believe that I am a very definite part of why Victoria is not here today. Once again, I'm very sorry... not that  half of you or any of you will believe me. But as I said, I have stayed quiet, thinking that that was to my defense, not thinking of how it may impact the family of Victoria Stafford. That's all I have to say.

Michael Rafferty

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/raffertytrial/2012/05/15/19761156.html

This is blubbering, disorganised, and repetitive. "Me, me, me, me... oh, by the way, Tara, I know something that you don't know haha! ME!!!" I'd like to smack him. Why was he taunting Tara like that? Hasn't she had enough?!
He lost a child, eh? At his own hands? Or does he blame TLM for that one, too?


Oh he makes me so angry... :maddening: :banghead:

 

[jenniferleia]

Awe....man....this sick @#$#% cant leave well enough alone!!

 

[LilyMacBloom]

So confirmation from himself he has a son...he has lost a child, and he admits to guilt on some level.

I took it as a typo myself and that it meant he hasn't lost a child before. and I wrong there?

 

[BorgQueen]

Sorry, this has probably been mentioned already (I'm behind) but...

Because Tara is a woman, and Rafferty is disrespectful and hateful towards women. He thinks they're stupid and he can manipulate them no problem. True psychopath. Ugh.

I heard on the news that Tara said she will NEVER meet with Rafferty.

BBM:

That is EXACTLY why he taunted her (and that is what he was doing, in my opinion). He was having one last Michael Rafferty Day. A day of terrorising women and their children. Couldn't help himself...

 

[matou]

Why am I not surprised MR spoke and still claims he was innocent? PSYCHOPATH babble. Crybaby BS.

RIP Tori and hugs to all now that the will be locked away. No doubt he will NEVER get parole. He is a MONSTER. I love that the judge called him that and that Rodney called him a to MR's face. Good for him.

 

[Thinkzerz]

I know TM probably doesn't read these forums but in case she does. I want her to know that i am showing my kids the media video where she says" Talk to your child, Its not always the big bad guy but 18 year olds that look like your babysitter". My kids hear this all the time from me and they know about Tori and i believe my kids hearing these words from TM will help in teaching them.

 

[matou]

what rafferty said in court

i wanted to come to this courtroom defending myself. And after hearing the victim impact statements, i think there is something more important to say. To tara mcdonald, for the past three years i've had so much to say on my behalf. Nobody has all the pieces of the puzzle and i'm willing to give you those pieces if you'd like that.

I know this has been a long ordeal for everybody and i'm glad that it's come to an end. Hopefully everybody will find some closure of some sort to me being sentenced to life.

I am truly sorry to the entire family, not that that has much bearing to any of you coming from my mouth. But it's still true. I stayed quiet this entire trial thinking it was for my defence, thinking it was for the better. But i do have something to say and that is for tara mcdonald alone, without the media, without spectators. So at least you know it will be true, or as true as you are willing to believe it, without other people listening in, without it being to my benefit.

I still disagree with the conviction of these three charges. I am guilty of many crimes and there are a lot of things i am very very ashamed of. But these three counts i still stand firmly being not guilty.

As i said i would fill in the blanks for you if you wish. However that can be seen through the courts or the institution where i'll be staying.

To your son, i believe that impact statement hit me the hardest. I can only imagine if something like that came from the mouth of my own son. I have a lost a child before but i have no idea what you have gone through. I cannot imagine what you've gone through. For that i'm very sorry. As i said, i am standing behind not guilty of these convictions. Notwithstanding though, i do believe that i am a very definite part of why victoria is not here today. Once again, i'm very sorry... Not that  half of you or any of you will believe me. But as i said, i have stayed quiet, thinking that that was to my defense, not thinking of how it may impact the family of victoria stafford. That's all i have to say.

Michael rafferty

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/raffertytrial/2012/05/15/19761156.html

gmafb. Jmo

 

[Kamille]

I knew he would speak :banghead: He has to have the last word. I guess he also did what i feared. Left Tara still haunted by him just a tad more. Alot more subtle than Davis but just had to get in the last word and pile on some more pain.

I agree Bravo. But all along he's played that "no one knows the real story" game. It's always been his way of trying to instill some level of doubt into what happened so that he can continue to manipulate the real truth getting out. And he played it to perfection with his mother it appears as she stood on the courthouse steps a week ago and said that her son is innocent and that TLM ruined their lives. I'm sure he played it with anyone else who may have been visiting and supporting him over the past three years. But you can bet he's never told a sole the "real story", just alluded to the possibility that there was something more than the obvious. He also played it with Tara today because she even questions whether she'll ever know the whole truth in her impact statement. So he saw someone who was still wavering and took the opportunity to pounce on it.

I think the jury saw through the BS and figured out the "real story", even without the aid of his incriminating laptop. But he's always going to maintain that there is more to it and that he is not guilty. It's all smoke and mirrors and I think the whole truth about what happened and why came out in that courtroom. There is nothing more to tell IMO. He did this, with the help of a disturbed teenager that he manipulated into helping him and that's all there is to it. That is the real story.

MOO

 

[Thinkzerz]

I agree Bravo. But all along he's played that "no one knows the real story" game. It's always been his way of trying to instill some level of doubt into what happened so that he can continue to manipulate the real truth getting out. And he played it to perfection with his mother it appears as she stood on the courthouse steps a week ago and said that her son is innocent and that TLM ruined their lives. I'm sure he played it with anyone else who may have been visiting and supporting him over the past three years. But you can bet he's never told a sole the "real story", just alluded to the possibility that there was something more than the obvious. He also played it with Tara today because she even questions whether she'll ever know the whole truth in her impact statement. So he saw someone who was still wavering and took the opportunity to pounce on it.

I think the jury saw through the BS and figured out the "real story", even without the aid of his incriminating laptop. But he's always going to maintain that there is more to it and that he is not guilty. It's all smoke and mirrors and I think the whole truth about what happened and why came out in that courtroom. There is nothing more to tell IMO. He did this, with the help of a disturbed teenager that he manipulated into helping him and that's all there is to it. That is the real story.

MOO

Tara did the right thing, in not letting MR get the last word. But to write it in a letter to the court. To back TM into a corner with no media etc. Right, nice try MR glad TM didn't fall for that!

 

[maxfactor]

Put on your dancing shoes Bernardo and Williams, here he comes.