My family
and I can only describe the years of torment we have suffered after the
2002 trial by jury that acquitted Mario Celaire of my daughters’ murder.
For me, a mother, the trial was a form of mental cruelty. My family, friends,
and I had to endure hearing the assignation of my daughter’s character.
I can still hear the defence team and those who were selected to give evidence
make every attempt to discredit my daughter, the victim of this horrible
crime.
During
the 2002 trial, Mario Celaire showed no remorse. He portrayed himself as a
non-violent person and denied any violent behaviour towards my daughter. The
recent trial, however, established Mario Celaire’s established patterns
of violence
It is unfortunate that Kara Hoyte had to become his third victim for him to
be stopped.
Mario’s sentencing has been adjourned to 3 July 2009. We can only hope
now, that Mario will receive a just sentence that will keep him off the streets,
a sentence that will help allow some form of closure for my family.
From the depth of our immeasurable grief, my family and some close friends created the Cassandra Learning Centre (CLC) in memory of Cassandra. It is the goal of CLC to raise the awareness of domestic violence in our communities and to educate young people in identifying what constitute domestic abusive relationships. CLC hopes that through its efforts other young people might be spared the ill fate that is inevitable in domestic violence relationships.
On
the 3rd July 2009, Mario was received 2 life sentences. He will serve 8 years
for the murder of Cassandra and 23 years for the attempted murder of Kara.
He will serve a minimum of 23 years before being considered for parole.
Our campaign still continues as life must mean life in this case.
My family and I wish to extend our heart heart-felt gratitude to Kara for
her bravery and determination for justice that made it possible for the case
to be re-opened.
Monumental thanks to the law enforcement officers and the judicial system
for their vigilance and support for justice, and to the community as a whole
for supporting my family through well wishes and prayers.
My personal thanks to my family for their love and for remaining cohesive, strong, and persevering. To Cassandra’s friends, I thank you for the loyalty and support you have shown to my family through the initial trial, through the convening years, and finally, to the end.
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Read Kara's story: Daily Mirror , The Times