2023 BBC. The trial took a number of twists and turns as the prosecution detailed how Arthur was made to stand in isolation for up to 14 hours a day, was assaulted, deprived of food and water as well as poisoned with salt. Suite 325 Cincinnati, OH 45211. He told Tustin to 'just end' Arthur, 'take his jaw off' and 'gag' him, while he threatened to 'take his neck off' and 'dash my food off his head'. Locations. She said when asked how safe and happy they felt on a scale of 0-10, with zero being represented by the floor and the ceiling being the opposite, both boys very confidently jumped up and pointed at the ceiling saying they felt very happy and very safe. The social worker concluded that Arthur was 'very happy and very safe' and that there were no safeguarding issues in the household. During the trial Tustin was captured on CCTV carrying a large salt container out of the living room which was later photographed in the bathroom. His . Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: Grandmother pays tribute to boy, six. 'no-one loves me' and 'no-one is going to feed me', The jury was told that Arthur's head injuries, Which jail is Emma Tustin in? Arthur Labinjo-Hughes died in hospital several hours after he was found unresponsive at a house on Cranmore Road in Shirley, near Birmingham 'Bullying' parents 'poisoned' their six-year-old son. Opening the case on Thursday, Mr Hankin said: "His clothes looked dirty, his lips cracked, he could barely open his mouth to speak, his hair was dirty, his nails were dirty and he looked malnourished, gaunt and worn-out.". Thursday 2 December 2021 17:54, UK [3], The case made a significant impact on the local community and particularly football fans. In the witness box told the jury he was simply covering for Tustin, who he now 'hated' and saw in a 'completely different light'. Hughes claimed he was 'gaslighted' and 'mentally abused' by Tustin who he said was 'constantly' over his shoulder telling him to 'whack' Arthur and instructing how to discipline him. Sep 2018 - Present4 years 8 months. Like the CCTV, she claimed the purpose of the voice notes was to 'cover my own back'. ", "The little boy who stood no chance with two killer parents and a hateful stepmum", "Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: A life cut short by cruelty", "Social worker said 'play' caused boy's bruises weeks before his death, jury told", "Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: What do we know about his life and death? Following Olivia's conviction, Thomas Hughes became the primary carer for Arthur and both lived with Thomas . Thomas Hughes soon returned to his partner's house and refused the grandmother's request to leave the boy at her house for longer, prompting her to report him to social services. Tustin could be heard 'policing' Arthur in some of the clips barking 'stand still, stand still'. He loved school, football and superheroes. He told the jury he 'reluctantly' maintained Arthur's punishment to avoid arguments admitting he put Tustin's 'love and attention' above his son's welfare. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. I can't account for it. I was not there. Tustin regularly stated she could not explain her behaviour and claimed it was only now she was 'out of the situation' she could see how bad things were at the time. Arthur Labinjo-Hughes died after being left alone with Emma Tustin last year. Tustin and Hughes manipulated visitors, told them his bruises were down to play. His blood sodium levels were 'off the scale', measuring over 180millimoles per litre (mmol/L) compared to a normal range of 135-145 mmol/L. My mum, my dad. Thomas Hughes had been jailed for. But her words did not wash with prosecutor Jonas Hankin who completely skewered her during cross-examination. Hughes' WhatsApp messages became increasingly malevolent. I don't want Emma to suffer.". Police later closed the log believing it required no further role for force response as social services were involved. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Trevelyan relative 'would consider' famine payment, Ding becomes China's first male world chess champion, Indian 'killer' elephant relocated to tiger reserve. The family returned to Milhenchs house to finish the hair appointment, during which time Hughes and Tustin took turns shouting at him like a game of tennis, she told the court. A review by social services is currently under way and the Independent Office for Police Conduct is also examining whether opportunities were missed by police. Below we have listed the significant evidence and developments in the trial.The fly on the wall. He suffered a cardiac arrest, but medics got his heart beating and rushed him to Birmingham Children's Hospital. Ms Tustin took pictures and recorded audio clips and videos of Arthur being punished, sending them to Mr Hughes, jurors were told. UK - Arthur Labinjo Hughes, 6, killed, dad & friend from www.websleuths.com Trial begins as court hears parents 'murdered' him after months of abuse | daily mail online another heartbreaking . Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Photograph: West Midlands Police/PA Child. Text messages between Tustin and Hughes told the story of their fracturing relationship and exposed their violent intent towards Arthur. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Hughes made his confessions to the police in the subsequent interviews after the van journey. He portrayed himself as dim-witted, lacking in confidence and completely submissive to Tustin's assertive control. Arthur was conspicuous by his absence on the camera for long periods despite the fact both defendants would often be in the living room talking, gesticulating or shouting towards the hallway. By April, social services and police had paid a visit after referrals from his concerned grandmother, Joanne Hughes, and an anonymous tip off from Tustin's own parents. They were among the key pieces of evidence which helped a jury convict a sadistic dad and step-mother of killing little Arthur Labinjo-Hughes. [14] Arthur's favourite team, Birmingham City F.C, named a children's area in its stadium after him and supporters sung his name on a march through Birmingham prior to a match. While much of the exchanges were inaudible Tustin could be heard regularly asking what Hughes had said to the police. After weeks of harrowing evidence at Coventry Crown Court a jury found his father Thomas Hughes, 29, guilty of manslaughter, and his step-mother Emma Tustin, 32, guilty of murder. Read about our approach to external linking. Tustin also laid her cards on the table to Hughes over text and said: "I want you but not him.". Since the disappearance, reddit and websleuths users have been commenting on. Arthur's father Thomas Hughes and mother Olivia Labinjo-Halcrow had shared custody of the child, until her arrest for killing her own partner in February 2019. Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: Social worker said 'play' caused boy's bruises Mr Hankin branded her a 'pitiless, cruel woman' who 'hated' Arthur. Anne Longfield, the former children's commissioner for England, said:[18], "a lot of the services went on to the screens for children, and this child in particular, Arthur, wasnt in school. "Just end him," one message read. Thomas Hughes claims 'jealous' Emma Tustin 'drove a - BirminghamLive It did not add up that he had apparently confessed his guilt to officers and yet went on to deny all the charges against him. [13], Emma Tustin was convicted of murdering Arthur Labinjo-Hughes at Coventry Crown Court in December 2021, and was given a life sentence with a minimum of 29 years. It emerged that after Tustin and Hughes each gave one police interview they travelled in the back of a police van together where their conversations were 'covertly recorded'. Thursday 2 December 2021 17:54, UK Hughes confessed to treating Arthur 'like a prisoner' by making him stay in the hallway for the 'majority of the time', adding his discipline had 'gone horribly wrong'. It is alleged Ms Tustin, 32, of Cranmore Road, carried out the fatal assault while in sole care of Arthur and fetched her mobile phone immediately afterwards to take a photograph of the youngster as he lay dying in the hallway. [8] At the time of his death, a medical review found that he was covered in 130 bruises, that he had been poisoned with salt, and that the extent of his injuries were compared to torture. But her ultimate unravelling came as she was quizzed about Arthur's collapse. She explained she was told Arthur had a playfight with Tustin's son which resulted in both being hurt. All rights reserved. She presented herself as a victim. Then, he was really quite healthy looking, they told the court. It did not add up that he had apparently confessed his guilt to officers and yet went on to deny all the charges against him. Arthur spent 35 hours of the three-day period between 12 and 14 June in the hallway having been forced to go there by his father and step-mother. The couple installed a camera at home to monitor Arthur during his isolation. Shortly after the conviction, the government announced that there would be a national inquiry into the case. Harrowing CCTV footage, a slew of terrorising text messages and inconsistent displays of remorse are just some of the key pieces of evidence which helped a jury to successfully convict a twisted step-mother and callous dad of killing his little boy. Hughes was repeatedly asked why he did not stand up for Arthur. His head injuries were said to be unsurvivable and Arthur died shortly before 01:00 BST on 17 June. His barrister forewarned the jury they would not see him 'cry for himself'. Shown footage demonstrating how Arthur was made to spend all day in the hallway and then sleep on the living room floor he said: "You are not here to watch television and comment on it. It was not intentional," he added. [25] He is being held at HMP Wakefield. The transcripts of Hughes' seven police interviews were a bombshell. Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: Man accused of helping to murder son 'probably' valued lover over child, court told Thomas Hughes, 29, denied prosecution claims he was an "utterly ruthless, unthinking and pitiless" parent and that he "relished in abusing" his six-year-old child. 'C***' was a favourite insult of the foul-mouthed pair. Emma Tustin at 'high risk' as she spends first night in jail for torturing and murdering tragic Arthur, Live Yorkshire Covid updates as Christmas restricted in Ireland and scientists urge UK Government to act now, Stark warning not to cut grass or mow lawn this May or June, 'Someone turn the lights off' say Dewsbury locals as Poundland leaves 'doss hole' area, The once popular store will shut on May 17, Asylum seeker mum hits out at UK hotel as children won't eat the 'unsuitable' food provided, Hyre and her children left Albania to start a new life in the UK, Our Yorkshire Farm's Amanda Owen's fans say 'hope you're OK' as they rush to support her after she posts update, The mum-of-nine has shared an update on farm life with her fans, Britain's Got Talent fans make 'scripted' claim as they slam Amanda Holden for using golden buzzer, Will you swear your allegiance to King Charles III during the coronation? Tuesday 16 June 2020 started the same as any other for six-year-old Arthur . To get the latest email updates from Yorkshire Live, click here . [8] She shook Arthur and hit his head against a hard surface multiple times. [2][3] The two separated shortly before his second birthday. He told the jury he 'reluctantly' maintained Arthur's punishment to avoid arguments admitting he put Tustin's 'love and attention' above his son's welfare. Read about our approach to external linking. The jail sentences given to the couple who killed six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes are to be reviewed to "determine whether they were too low", the attorney general has announced. She broke down in tears numerous times in the stand, prompting Hughes' barrister to ask 'who are you crying for now?' Additionally, Tustin photographed Arthur crying in the hallway at 2:15pm. Arguably the most heart-breaking clip to watch was Arthur being so weak on the morning of his collapse that he barely had the strength to carry his bedding out of the living room, where he had been forced to sleep. She organised a meeting with Arthur's father and grandmother about her concerns that the boy was developing an obsession with topics such as guns, death and the news, along with fears about being separated from or killed by his father. We have used the asterisk no less than 600 times during our live coverage of the case. Associated General Contractors of Northwest Ohio. Tustin reported these incidents to Thomas via text messages and audio clips of him crying. He stated he 'probably' inflicted injuries to his son and hit him with a slipper causing him to bash his head. She said it was set up on a living room shelf to monitor Arthur's behaviour because he had supposedly ripped up things and allegedly dropped her tortoise, although that was disputed. But some of the memos will last long in the memory, in particular Arthur crying for his grandmother and uncle saying repeatedly 'no-one loves me' and 'no-one is going to feed me'. [8] Twelve minutes later, after phoning Thomas Hughes, Tustin called 999 and told medics that he "fell and banged his head and while on the floor banged his head another five times". The camera in the living room captured Arthur slumped on the floor. Tustin complied, and by the time he died experts said the extent of Arthur's injuries met the medical definition of child torture. Furious inmates 'toss salt at killer stepmum' who tortured Arthur Labinjo-Hughes", "Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: Father and stepmother's prison sentences to be reviewed", "Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: 'A bruise for every day of lockdown' left on body of boy killed by father and stepmother", "Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: Emma Tustin sentenced to life and Thomas Hughes 21 years for torturing and killing six-year-old", High Court Judgement: Regina - v Emma Tustin & THomas Hughes Sentencing Remarks, "Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: Killer father has sentence increased", "Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: review launched into six-year-old's murder", "Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: National inquiry into boy's death", "Timeline of the key missed opportunities leading up to Arthur's death revealed", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Arthur_Labinjo-Hughes&oldid=1143956977, This page was last edited on 10 March 2023, at 23:33. A man accused of murdering his son said he "probably" valued his partner's love and affection over his child's welfare. Tustin denied the bruises were on Arthur's back when social services visited. Arguably the most heart-breaking clip to watch was Arthur being so weak on the morning of his collapse that he barely had the strength to carry his bedding out of the living room, where he had been forced to sleep. Thomas Hughes and his girlfriend Emma Tustin are jointly accused of murdering Arthur Labinjo-Hughes at her home in Shirley, Solihull, on 17 June 2020. The prosecutor said Ms Tustin recorded more than 200 audio files of Arthur in "various stages of distress". Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Thomas Hughes, Tustin and Arthur went back to the hairdresser's house where Arthur was constantly shouted at by the former two. [33], My Lover My Killer, Episode 2 - Netflix (story of mother Olivia). Scheduling: (513) 612-1111 Michelle Hull, safeguarding lead at Dickens Heath Community primary school, contacted social services but was told they had no concerns. Thomas Hughes, Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Emma Tustin. When the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, the new couple made the decision to merge their families at Tustin's home on Cranmore Road in Solihull, where she lived with her own children, aged four and five. [24] Thomas Hughes was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 21 years. She feigned contrition repeatedly describing her treatment to Arthur as 'absolutely disgraceful' and purporting she was 'disgusted in myself'. Hughes made his confessions to the police in the subsequent interviews after the van journey. One witness said the previously happy and healthy boy looked "as though he were broken" on the day of his death. I didn't want to lose another child and the only way I could protect that child was to try and protect Emma from it all and take the blame for myself.". 15 June: Tustin took Arthur with her to an appointment with her hairdresser, Catherine Milhench, who said Arthur was told to face the door and not move during the six-hour session. Text messages between Tustin and Hughes told the story of their fracturing relationship and exposed their violent intent towards Arthur. CCTV, texts and fake tears of a killer: Key evidence in Arthur trial By the end of the month, Arthur was moved out of Tustin's son and daughter's bedroom and made to sleep on the living room floor. He would stand there alone while his father enjoyed chocolates and other treats in the kitchen with Tustin and her own children. 16 June 2020: Video footage from a CCTV camera in the living room, where Arthur slept on the floor, showed him appearing weak as he woke up and struggled to carry his duvet out of the room. Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In another, the fear stricken boy yelled 'daddy's going to throw me out the window'. Like at home, he was forced to stand in the hallway and when he failed to stand up straight, Hughes was heard bellowing at his son, threatening to put him six feet under and to rip his head off and use it as a football. The pair also face an allegation of child cruelty by administering salt to Arthur between 1 and 17 June last year. It was not intentional," he added. The jury was told that Arthur had been in the sole care of his father after his natural mother, Olivia Labinjo, was convicted of a killing in February 2019. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. There was also an incident during a School Nativity play where Arthur became upset when a baby doll was removed from its crib. The murder of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes was a tragedy. She carried him around the house, plotting how best to arrange him to fit her deception that she was blameless. Worried relatives of the Solihull six-year-old had reported concerns, so were there failures by authorities? I didn't kill him. [20][21], In July 2021, Olivia Labinjo-Halcrow was convicted of the manslaughter of her partner, and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. I was not there. His barrister forewarned the jury they would not see him 'cry for himself'. Since that moment, Tustin has sought to deflect blame. So distressing were the clips that Judge Mark Wall dissuaded the prosecution from playing all of them. Three donation days, held at Edgbaston to take in new and nearly new donations of gifts and books, are now ended. Bodycam footage from emergency services shows Tustin crying as she claimed Arthur repeatedly headbutted the floor. However, in February 2019, Olivia Labinjo-Halcrow stabbed her new abusive partner to death in an alcohol and drug fuelled rage. Thomas Hughes and Tustin's behaviour towards Arthur became increasingly neglectful, with Arthur forced to spend extended periods isolated from the rest of the household. No-one else. In light of the revelations a juror asked if they were seriously expected to believe Hughes was not guilty of any child cruelty offence. Hughes was found not guilty on counts 4 and 5. He had consumed at least six-and-a-half teaspoons of salt the day he was fatally injured. The texts of his violent intent, the holes he smashed through the living room door and CCTV footage of him dragging Arthur around like an animal exposed his real 'short-tempered, wicked' nature. His maternal grandmother, Madeleine Halcrow, said Hughes had stopped her from seeing Arthur since 2019. Backed into a corner, all Tustin could do was deny culpability with no credible alternative explanation. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? At best her evidence was inconsistent, at worst, her testimony was an utter shambles. Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, six, suffered an "unsurvivable brain injury" in Shirley, Solihull, and died in hospital the following day in June last year. Injuries of a car crash victim and cancer sufferer. She was also found guilty of child cruelty counts 4 (deprivation of food and drink) and 5 (salt poisoning). [9][10] At the beginning of the lockdown, Arthur and his father were staying in Tustin's home. Tustin and Hughes. She said it was set up on a living room shelf to monitor Arthur's behaviour because he had supposedly ripped up things and allegedly dropped her tortoise, although that was disputed.
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