I can’t close my eyes, I feel so helpless and lost – older brother
THIS is what Grace Millane’s mother and brother said to the 21-year-old’s killer when they spoke to the court in Auckland via video link.
Gillian Millane said her daughter, who was killed while travelling in New Zealand, “died terrified and alone”.
Mrs Millane said: “Her tragic life, cut short by your wilful, cruel actions.
“You took it upon yourself to murder my beautiful Grace, an innocent young lady.
“On a daily basis, I torment myself over what you did to my Grace.
“The terror and pain she must have experienced at your hands.
“As a mother, I would have done anything to change places with her.
“I sit, full of guilt, knowing I couldn’t help her, that I should have been there.
“She died terrified and alone in a room with you.
“You have ripped a hole in my heart, one that will never be repaired.
“You walked into our lives and destroyed Grace, in the pursuit of your own sexual gratification.”
Pausing, and visibly upset, she continued: “Now my family will never be the same.
“So many other innocent people, including your own family, have had their world destroyed.
“I will miss my darling Grace until the last breath in my body leaves me.”
Grace’s brother, Declan Millane, echoed his mother’s sentiments, and described his family as “ripped apart” when Grace was reported missing on December 2018.
He told the court via the video link: “The following weeks were the hardest and worst weeks of my life.
“I remember taking the phone call from my dad, telling me that Grace’s body had been found, and I just remember I was instantly sick.
“Ever since December 2018 I cannot close my eyes without reliving that month of not knowing what happened to my sister.
“The thought of how scared she must have been (...) I could have done nothing to help her.
“As an older brother I felt a duty to protect my little sister, but there was nothing I could do, I was helpless and lost.”