UK - Arthur Labinjo Hughes, 6, killed, dad & friend arrested, June 2020

[Tortoise]

Would this not fall under sadistic? It’s prolonged torture, there is clear evidence both audibly and visually, both defendants constantly messaged about it, smiling emoji at the mention of tasers (the list is endless).
Or am I grasping at straws…..

Offenders aged 21 years or over
Where the offender is 21 or over at the time of the offence and the court takes the view that the murder is so grave that the offender should spend the rest of their life in prison, a 'whole life order' is the appropriate starting point. The early release provisions in section 28 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 will then not apply. Such an order should only be specified where the court considers that the seriousness of the offence is exceptionally high. Such cases include:

a) the murder of two or more persons where each murder involves a substantial degree of premeditation, the abduction of the victim, or sexual or sadistic conduct;
b) the murder of a child if involving the abduction of the child or sexual or sadistic motivation;
c) a murder done for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause; or
d) a murder by an offender previously convicted of murder.

Sentencing - Mandatory life sentences in Murder cases | The Crown Prosecution Service

Oh YES, PLEASE.

And remove the beds and chairs from their cells.

 

[nothinonyou]

he looks at one point to glance outside, imagine standing in the hallway 14 hours a day facing the wall. He would literally never see anything happen. The boredom, the desperation. It's unfathmable

 

[Tortoise]

I expect these jurors will be excused from future jury service after the trial. And I hope they are offered counselling.

 

[Tinksx]

Could she have been told yesterday that CPS are pushing for a whole life order and that’s what caused her “poor health”? Is this why things are being released early? Or Am I deluding myself with wishful thinking…….

 

[Chessgirl]

Oh YES, PLEASE.

And remove the beds and chairs from their cells.

Force them both to stand 14 hours a day with no water and salt adulterated sandwiches.

 

[Tortoise]

Could she have been told yesterday that CPS are pushing for a whole life order and that’s what caused her “poor health”? Is this why things are being released early? Or Am I deluding myself with wishful thinking…….

I think I have seen evidence released before the end of the trial before, particularly CCTV footage. It's probably a standard media request that's been granted.

 

[RusselSprout]

The audio and cctv are heart-breaking. I think it reinforces that both TH & ET are equally guilty.

 

[ChloLo]

Would this not fall under sadistic? It’s prolonged torture, there is clear evidence both audibly and visually, both defendants constantly messaged about it, smiling emoji at the mention of tasers (the list is endless).
Or am I grasping at straws…..

Offenders aged 21 years or over
Where the offender is 21 or over at the time of the offence and the court takes the view that the murder is so grave that the offender should spend the rest of their life in prison, a 'whole life order' is the appropriate starting point. The early release provisions in section 28 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 will then not apply. Such an order should only be specified where the court considers that the seriousness of the offence is exceptionally high. Such cases include:

a) the murder of two or more persons where each murder involves a substantial degree of premeditation, the abduction of the victim, or sexual or sadistic conduct;
b) the murder of a child if involving the abduction of the child or sexual or sadistic motivation;
c) a murder done for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause; or
d) a murder by an offender previously convicted of murder.

Sentencing - Mandatory life sentences in Murder cases | The Crown Prosecution Service

I was coming to post this. I tried to dig up the actual legislation, but failed. Looking at those serving whole life tariffs, it seems to be multiple murderers and where it’s a child it’s a stranger abduction. I hope to see 30+ minimum term.

 

[ScottishSam]

Oh YES, PLEASE.

And remove the beds and chairs from their cells.

And force them to stand in a corner for 14 hours a day facing a wall. TH had better start practicing, he said he only managed 20 minutes

 

[Tinksx]

I think I have seen evidence released before the end of the trial before, particularly CCTV footage. It's probably a standard media request that's been granted.

I think it’s because Kaylee jade priest was the most recent case involving parent/step parent and child’s death and they didn’t release cctv until after the trial. I know it’s wishful thinking on my part. I do honestly dread what will be released after this trial is over, what’s been released today is beyond horrific.

 

[ScottishSam]

Release of Prosecution Material to the Media - InBrief.co.uk

 

[ChloLo]

Here’s the legislation that’s referred to in the CPS guidelines. I don’t know if this will make it any clearer.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/17/schedule/21/enacted

 

[ScottishSam]

he looks at one point to glance outside, imagine standing in the hallway 14 hours a day facing the wall. He would literally never see anything happen. The boredom, the desperation. It's unfathmable

I wonder where he went in his head for all those long, boring hours? I'd imagine at some point he'd started to dissociate to escape his lived reality. Rest in peace Arthur, you deserved so much more.

 

[Tinksx]

Release of Prosecution Material to the Media - InBrief.co.uk

Thanks for this @ScottishSam. So for this to have been released, it would’ve needed permission from Arthur’s family as well as police and CPS.

 

[ScottishSam]

Here’s the legislation that’s referred to in the CPS guidelines. I don’t know if this will make it any clearer.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/17/schedule/21/enacted
Sentencing Act 2020

It's the mitigating factors that concern me. Both defence QCs have argued that it was the other one, and that they both went along with one another because they were scared of each other. Plus, ET has her MH issues as back up. I believe yesterday's display (whatever that was) is to reinforce her fragile state of mind

 

[Tinksx]

It's the mitigating factors that concern me. Both defence QCs have argued that it was the other one, and that they both went along with one another because they were scared of each other. Plus, ET has her MH issues as back up. I believe yesterday's display (whatever that was) is to reinforce her fragile state of mind

On the plus side (if you can even call it that) there are 5 aggravating factors out of the 7

 

[ChloLo]

It's the mitigating factors that concern me. Both defence QCs have argued that it was the other one, and that they both went along with one another because they were scared of each other. Plus, ET has her MH issues as back up. I believe yesterday's display (whatever that was) is to reinforce her fragile state of mind

I see maybe one mitigating factor and far more aggravating IMO

 

[ChloLo]

Also time served on remand will be deducted from the sentence handed down.

 

[Noseyjosie]

Audio
How on earth can anyone - especially someone who is themselves a parent - just stand by and record that. Any normal person would be rushing to comfort the child, I mean jeez even her little boy tried to comfort Arthur, but she did nothing. It sounded to me like the poor little mite had been sobbing for a long time by that point too. Such a deliberate, wicked act. She clearly absolutely hated that poor sweet boy.

Video
Poor Arthur looks completely broken by this point. Very skinny, weak, obviously in a tremendous amount of pain and really struggling in so many ways. Anyone with half a brain can see he needs urgent medical attention


Heartbreaking to see how this poor precious little boy's life changed once his father got involved with Tustin. How many times do we see this scenario, in child abuse/death cases, where everything's fine until the new partner comes on the scene then the child begins to suffer and eventually ends up being killed.

Rest in peace darling Arthur, no-one can hurt you now sweetheart

 

[scapa]

@Tinksx
Definitely sadistic, definitely premeditated to cause Arthur prolonged suffering and distress