Manchester bomb relatives relieved as ‘coward’ behind atrocity jailed for 55 years
FAMILIES of the Manchester Arena bomb victims said justice had prevailed as the “cowardly” mastermind of the atrocity hid in his cell.
The loved ones of the 22 men, women and children killed on May 22, 2017 wept and embraced as Hashem Abedi was jailed for at least 55 years at the Old Bailey.
While Abedi refused to attend his sentencing, dozens of family members either sat in Court Two of the Old Bailey or watched over live-link from Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Speaking in Manchester, Paul Hett, the father of victim Martyn Hett (29) said: “First of all we have spent two days listening to harrowing details of lives that have been shattered, not just the 22, but hundreds of lives changed forever.”
Abedi is a “coward” and not even “man enough” to come to court to hear how he had affected them, Mr Hett said.
Speaking outside the Old Bailey, Mr Hett’s mother Figen Murray said the sentence had “reaffirmed to us that the British justice system is strong and fair and punishes those who break the law”.
She added: “Although our lives have been deeply affected by what happened, we can now at least put the trial behind us and mentally prepare ourselves for the public inquiry that is starting soon.”
Mark Rutherford, on behalf of the families of his daughter Chloe Rutherford (17) and Liam Curry (19) thanked the judge for “imposing the biggest sentence ever in these circumstances”.
The family of victim Kelly Brewster (32) said: “His sentence will never compare to the sentence we have to live for the rest of our lives without Kelly.
“One day he will be free but we will forever be broken.”
They welcomed the start of the public inquiry next month.
Sharon and Steve Goodman, grandparents of victim Olivia Campbell-hardy (15) watched the court hearing screened in a room for families of victims at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester.
Outside, Mrs Goodman said: “I think it was far more than we expected, we expected about 40 years.”
Mr Goodman added: “I’m quite shocked by it and a bit numbed by it, but it’s justice for Manchester and justice for the survivors.
“But it will never bring our loved ones back, the 22, but it’s showing, showing some determination.
“I was hoping it would be a full life sentence but because of his age they said they couldn’t.
“We need to talk more about peace, we are educating the youth of all cultures that terrorism is not a way out, it’s not a thing to do, it’s not going to benefit them and it really needs the mothers to educate the sons because this mother has lost two sons now, not just the one, she’s lost two.”
Asked about Abedi refusing to come to court, Mrs Goodman said: “Part of me thinks it’s bravado because of his age. I think he was absolutely contemptible, I thought he showed total disregard to the seriousness of the allegations and it was just contempt of court really. Arrogance.
“I don’t think it was cowardice I just thought it was contemptible what he did.
“I don’t understand it. I don’t know enough about it, radicalisation or what happened, to understand it.”
Victoria Higgins, lawyer for Slater and Gordon and acting on behalf of the families of 12 victims, hailed the “end of one chapter for those affected by this terrible atrocity”.
Politicians, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel, also reacted to the sentence.
Mr Johnson said it provides “an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tolerance, community and kindness”.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said: “The Manchester Arena attack was a horrifying and cowardly act of violence which targeted children and families.
“Those who were taken from us will never be forgotten, nor will the spirit of the people of Manchester who came together to send a clear message to the entire world that terrorists will never prevail.
“My thoughts remain with the survivors, and with the friends and families of victims, who have shown remarkable courage and dignity.”
Ms Patel tweeted: “The terrorist attack at Manchester Arena inflicted unimaginable loss and suffering to victims and their families.
“Thanks to the efforts of our outstanding police and other partners — at home and abroad — justice has been delivered for them today.”