Father describes how ‘tragedy has broken our family’
“I NEVER got to see his first steps or hear his first words – all of that was stolen from me.”
Those are the words of a heartbroken dad after his son was murdered by his ex-partner.
Outside court yesterday, Daniel’s father Stefan Green tearfully said: “The actions of an evil person, a person who should have been one of the two people who he [Daniel] should have felt safest with – there is an entire lifetime of firsts lost.”
He also made an emotional victim impact statement inside the courtroom, before the details of his child’s murder were laid bare.
During police interview, Hodgson said after the breakdown of the relationship with Daniel’s father she sought legal advice. Hodgson was due to attend a court hearing the morning of her son’s death.
Mr Green had applied for joint custody.
Judge Paul Watson QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, said he can’t begin to understand the pain Hodgson has caused Daniel’s father.
“Daniel was the centre of his world and you took him away forever,” he said.
Mr Green appeared outside Teesside Crown Court, alongside his family and friends, where he again spoke about his son’s murder.
He said: “This tragedy has broken our family, our friends and our community but we will rebuild. We never got to make a connection with my son, we never got to see his first steps, hear his first words and now because of the actions of an evil person, a person who should have been one of the two people who he should have felt safest with, there is an entire lifetime of firsts lost.
“I would like to thank the police for their hard work in bringing justice as swiftly as possible, for the support they’ve offered us and the support we continue to get. A special thanks to our police family liaison officers Graeme and Helen for making this horrendous process as easy as you possibly could.
“I would like to thank the paramedics who I know did everything they could within their power to save Daniel’s life.
“To our friends and the community at large we thank you for all the support you have given us.”
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth previously said: “Today our thoughts are with Daniel’s family. The loss of Daniel, at such a young age, is beyond comprehension.
“I’d like to thank all the team who have worked on this harrowing investigation and ensured that we could bring this matter to court.
“In response to a robust case against her, Carol Hodgson has now pleaded guilty to Daniel’s murder and we sincerely hope that those who knew Daniel find some measure of comfort in this, at what must remain a very difficult time for them.”
The death of Daniel sent shockwaves through the Guisborough community, with locals holding a vigil and laying floral tributes at the home in Upper Garth Gardens.