The family of a great grandmother who was strangled to death by her son-in-law said they will miss her "funny stories" and "endless cups of tea". Her killer murdered her as she lay in bed and sexually assaulted her.
Simon Parks, 52, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 25 years for the murder of Mari O'Flynn. The 79-year-old's body was found at the home she shared with her daughter in Newport on May 24.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday heard how alcoholic Parks became jealous of Mrs O'Flynn after he moved into the home he shared with partner Claire O'Flynn. The relationship between the two was fraught and he had previously held a knife up to Mrs O'Flynn.
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After drinking on the morning of May 24, the defendant returned to the home and repeatedly punched Mrs O'Flynn to the face before strangling her and sexually assaulting her. He continued drinking and was admitted to hospital but after discharging himself, he returned the house and told a neighbour "I have done it now, I've killed her."
When asked why he had done this, he responded: "Fags, I didn't have any cigarettes and I asked her for some and she wouldn't give me any. She wound me up so I strangled her."
Following the sentencing hearing, a statement was read out on the court steps on behalf of the family of Mrs O'Flynn. It said: "Our mam was taken away from us in terrible circumstances, but we hope that today enables us to move forward as a family, hopefully with some closure. It's now time for us to grieve in private and try to move on with our lives.
"We will always try to remember mam for her sparkle, repeating her funny stories about the good times she had living in Greece, or hogging the TV to watch all the sport, whilst drinking endless cups of tea. Today, and the last six months have been harrowing, and there is some peace knowing the man responsible is behind bars.
"On behalf of Mari O'Flynn, our loving mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the police, detectives, barristers and CPS for all their hard work and support over the last six months since our mam was brutally murdered at home.
"In particular, we would like to thank the family liaison officers who have a very difficult job but have been so supportive to the family during this time. Thanks again to all those that have supported us, those here today, family, employers and friends."
A statement was also read out on behalf of Gwent Police by detective chief superintendent Leanne Brustad. She said: "Our thoughts today are very much with the family of Mari O’Flynn who have lost a beloved mother, nan and sister. I would like to pay tribute to the family for the incredible strength they have shown throughout this undoubtfully difficult process.
"I know today’s sentencing will never bring Mari back, however I hope this outcome brings some consolation and closure for them. I hope they will now be given privacy and the opportunity to move forward with their lives."
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