‘I hope you rot’ says mother of Kayleigh

THE devastated mum of Kayleigh Dunning told her murderer Mark Brandford during an emotional court sentencing: ‘I want you to suffer for what you have done, I hope you go to prison for a very long time and rot.’

Before Colas road sweeper Brandford was delivered a minimum life sentence of 23 years at Portsmouth Crown Court following the first murder trial held in the city, Ms Dunning’s mum Gaynor Hirst read out her victim impact statement to the court where she revealed her ‘despair’ and ‘hate’ for Brandford.

She said: ‘Kayleigh was my life, she is my only daughter; she brought sparkle not only to my life but her dad’s and brothers. Family to Kayleigh was so important. As long as we were good then Kayleigh was happy, she was so caring.

‘Kayleigh worked hard but would also have fun. We would have mother and daughter nights, sometimes we would go out and other times we would just stay home, watch movies and have a good laugh. I loved my daughter unconditionally.

‘Kayleigh has been taken from me by Brandford, he has ripped my heart out. If it was not for my son I would have taken my own life. I have never felt despair like this and it feels like it will never end.

‘My feelings towards Brandford are of pure hate. He is nothing but a monster who ended the life of loving young girl who had her whole life in front of her.

‘I am telling you today Brandford that I want you to suffer for what you have done.

‘I hope you go to prison for a very long time and rot, so that you can never hurt anyone again.’