‘I cry for my beautiful daughter and all the memories we had yet to make’

BELOW we publish part of the emotional personal victim statement by Leanne’s mum Julie Doherty which she bravely read out to the court: ‘There are no words to describe the impact of Leanne’s death and the way she died has had on my family.

Leanne was just 25 and had her whole life ahead of her. She was a very proud mum to her two girls. She was very happy and planning an amazing future for herself and her girls.

We were extremely close. She was my first born daughter and we were very much alike.

We spoke, text or saw each other every day and the loss I feel in my life is indescribable and incomprehensible.

The pain I feel every day is a physical ache inside and an emptiness I know that will never go away. ●● Leanne’s mum Julie Doherty with Leila memories we made together and all the ones we had yet to make.

I cry for Lola and Leila and the fact they must now grow up without a loving and caring mummy, who is such a vital role model.

I cry for the sight of Leanne that night – something no-one, especially a mother, should ever see.

I couldn’t believe that person lying on the bed at the hospital with all the tubes and wires was my vibrant, strong daughter.

It’s a sight that will never leave me. I cry for what she went through that night.

She was always much more than a big sister. She was a friend, a confident and advisor and a shoulder to cry on.

I will never forget breaking the news to my mum – Leanne’s nan [aged 77] – firstly about the severity of Leanne’s injuries and then later the news that Leanne had lost her brave battle. It was emotionally crippling.

She always had a very close relationship with her grandchildren. Leanne always used to visit her every Saturday lunchtime.

Every Saturday my mum sits waiting wishing for the doorbell to be pressed and Leanne to make a grand entrance. My mum will never be the same.

Every day is difficult now.

Grief follows us around like a shadow.

Complete happiness and contentedness within our lives is no longer within our reach.

Our whole lives have changed beyond recognition.

We have a huge Leanne-sized hole in all our hearts and void that will never heal.

Even happy memories are painful to think about now because we know she should still be here making many more of them.

All she ever wanted to be was a mummy.’