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Judge told of murder 'nightmare' Judge told of murder 'nightmare'
(about 3 hours later)
The mother of a woman murdered by her boyfriend has encouraged the families of other victims to tell courts about the effect of the crime.The mother of a woman murdered by her boyfriend has encouraged the families of other victims to tell courts about the effect of the crime.
Thomas Pearson, 36, admitted murdering Joy Wilkinson, 33, at Cardiff Crown Court and was jailed for life.Thomas Pearson, 36, admitted murdering Joy Wilkinson, 33, at Cardiff Crown Court and was jailed for life.
Before sentencing, Patricia Nelson, gave what is believed to be Wales' first family impact statement in court.Before sentencing, Patricia Nelson, gave what is believed to be Wales' first family impact statement in court.
She said: "I kept thinking it was a nightmare but our pain and destruction had just begun".She said: "I kept thinking it was a nightmare but our pain and destruction had just begun".
Five UK courts are taking part in a pilot scheme giving families the chance to make such a statement.Five UK courts are taking part in a pilot scheme giving families the chance to make such a statement.
Ms Nelson told the court: "The pain I am feeling has destroyed me."Ms Nelson told the court: "The pain I am feeling has destroyed me."
"Joy had a great sense of humour and everyone was touched by her generosity and spirit."Joy had a great sense of humour and everyone was touched by her generosity and spirit.
"She was my confidant and my soul mate and when I became disabled she was my carer."She was my confidant and my soul mate and when I became disabled she was my carer.
"I would tell her all my fears and worries... When I had to identify her body I kept thinking it was a nightmare but our pain and destruction had just begun."
I shout out every night 'goodnight, God bless, our Joy'. She never answers back Patricia NelsonI shout out every night 'goodnight, God bless, our Joy'. She never answers back Patricia Nelson
"I would tell her all my fears and worries... When I had to identify her body I kept thinking it was a nightmare but our pain and destruction had just begun."
She added: "I hope no one in this court, including you, Your Honour, loses a child in this way.She added: "I hope no one in this court, including you, Your Honour, loses a child in this way.
"I shout out every night 'goodnight, God bless, our Joy'. She never answers back... The heartache for us all is endless."I shout out every night 'goodnight, God bless, our Joy'. She never answers back... The heartache for us all is endless.
"My days long and too painful, my nights even longer - I wish I were dead, I wish it were me and I still do.""My days long and too painful, my nights even longer - I wish I were dead, I wish it were me and I still do."
'Exhausting experience ''Exhausting experience '
Speaking afterwards, Ms Nelson said that initially she had not wanted to give an impact statement in court.Speaking afterwards, Ms Nelson said that initially she had not wanted to give an impact statement in court.
But after spending four weeks writing it, she encouraged others to do the same.But after spending four weeks writing it, she encouraged others to do the same.
She added: "It was an exhausting experience but cathartic.She added: "It was an exhausting experience but cathartic.
"I would say to anyone who is in the position: get up and say how it has affected you, say how it has affected your family."I would say to anyone who is in the position: get up and say how it has affected you, say how it has affected your family.
She was sleeping and never knew what happened Nicholas Gareth Jones, prosecutingShe was sleeping and never knew what happened Nicholas Gareth Jones, prosecuting
"Speak out for the people it has affected.""Speak out for the people it has affected."
The court had heard how police had been called to her daughter's flat in Maindee, Newport, during pervious violent incidents.The court had heard how police had been called to her daughter's flat in Maindee, Newport, during pervious violent incidents.
Ms Wilkinson was said to be preparing to leave Pearson - who had problems with alcohol abuse and was unemployed - to move in with her sister.Ms Wilkinson was said to be preparing to leave Pearson - who had problems with alcohol abuse and was unemployed - to move in with her sister.
However, she was killed before she got the chance.However, she was killed before she got the chance.
The court heard how Pearson was four times over the legal driving limit when he plunged the knife into her chest.The court heard how Pearson was four times over the legal driving limit when he plunged the knife into her chest.
Prosecutor Nicholas Gareth Jones said: "He went to the kitchen, got a 12in bread knife and went to the bedroom where he stabbed her once in the chest.Prosecutor Nicholas Gareth Jones said: "He went to the kitchen, got a 12in bread knife and went to the bedroom where he stabbed her once in the chest.
"She was sleeping and never knew what happened.""She was sleeping and never knew what happened."
The court heard Pearson then went next door and told his neighbours what he had done.The court heard Pearson then went next door and told his neighbours what he had done.
Mr Jones said: "It is clear from what he said to the neighbours that he wanted to kill her and he wanted her to die".Mr Jones said: "It is clear from what he said to the neighbours that he wanted to kill her and he wanted her to die".
Pearson admitted murder and was jailed for life with the recommendation that the earliest he could be released is in 12 years.Pearson admitted murder and was jailed for life with the recommendation that the earliest he could be released is in 12 years.