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Powerful Impact Statements Given At Purtill Sentencing

Wednesday, 19 September 2012 11:24

The sentencing was influenced by the emotional victim impact statements heard Wednesday morning. Father of Baby Alex, Michael Fleming told the court that he really never got to know his son. He said those "proud dad moments" will never happen now. Alex's grandfather Peter Fleming wrote a poem to his grandson that he read during his statement. He said, "on the inside every fibre in our body is screaming... we can no longer touch him, hold him, or kiss him." Impact statements were also heard from the baby's grandmother and two aunts. Mother Mary Rodrigues focused her statement mainly on the impact this has had on her two sons, brothers to Baby Alex. She said Max and Ethan were confused for the first while saying "after two years the boys wanted to go to heaven to be with Alex." A powerful video was shown of what happens at a usual visitation to Alex's grave. (Excerpts from that video posted below) Purtill took the stand next, sobbing as she apologized to the Fleming-Rodrigues family, saying "I humbly pray that someday I can earn your forgiveness." But Mary doesn't believe it was a sincere apology: "I wish I could believe her, but no I don't. I think those tears were tears for her for what she says she's had to go through. Those tears weren't for Alex, and they weren't for me, Mike, or the boys." Purtill talked about the rough treatment she received at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre, claiming she slept on the floor and only got to go outside twice a week. That testimony came mere minutes after she gave her apology. Justice Kelly Gorman said she found Purtill remorseful during her testimony saying she was alert and aware of her actions.

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