The children of a woman who took her own life after months of harrowing domestic abuse say her death "left a void that can never be filled". Claire Aleks, 40, told police she had "completely lost herself" and felt "broken" after 11 months of torment from her partner, Kathryn White. Four days later, she killed herself.
Abuser showed no remorse
At Liverpool Crown Court last week, Judge Gary Woodhall said White's prolonged abuse of Claire had significantly contributed to the mum's decision to end her own life in July 2022. The "cold, collected" abuser showed "absolutely no remorse, shame or empathy" for her actions, as the court heard how she terrorised Claire physically and emotionally, cutting her off from her family and friends.
White, 41, of Mayfield Mews in Crewe, denied controlling and coercive behaviour, but was found guilty following a trial. She appeared back in court on Friday July 31, where she was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.
Family's devastating loss
In a collection of victim statements read out in court, Claire's family described the devastating impact of the mum's tragic death. Her mum Tina Aleks said: "As a mother you never expect to bury one of your own children. Nothing could ever prepared me for watching my daughter slowly slip away, holding her hand in intensive care. The last memory I have of before all that was finding Claire unconscious in my bed. That image is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
"Every moment in that flat reminded me of the moment I found my daughter. Even now these memories continue to haunt me. When Claire died, a part of me died with her, and I know I will never get that part of me back. There isn't a single day that passes without me crying."
Her daughter Paige Rich said: "Nothing can truly put into words the devastation our family has suffered. The actions of Kathryn didn't just affect one person, they destroyed an entire family and left a void that can never be filled.
"Our mum was so much more than a victim, she was a loving mum, a daughter, a sister, an auntie, and adored nan to her grandchildren. She was funny, caring, full of life, and the person people turned to when they needed comfort, support or simply a reason to smile.
"Over time we watched the light went out of her. The abusive behaviour she endured changed her. It affected her confidence, her relationships and ultimately her ability to see a future free from fear.
"We have lost the opportunity to make new memories with her, to seek her advice, to hear her laugh, to tell her we love her. Her grandchildren have lost their nan and will never have her cuddles, hear her stories, or have her in their lives.
"There's not a day that goes by that we do not think of our mum and wonder what it would be like if she was here."
Son's tribute
Claire's son Callum Roberts said: "My mum was the light of my life, the foundation of our family and the one person who made everything feel safe and full of love. But that light was stolen from us by Kathryn, whose control and abuse pushed my mum to a place where she saw no way out.
"My mum should still be here... Instead we have been robbed of every future event we should have together. She will never see me grow, never be there on my wedding day, never hold her grandchildren, never hug me when I need her the most.
"All I have now are memories, voicemails and videos. That's all I have left of my mum. The pain and suffering Kathryn inflicted didn't end with my mum. It has spread through my family like a disease, leaving grief, anger and a hole that can never be filled. We have all suffered because of what she did.
"No other family should have to experience this continuous pain. I truly believe if Kathryn is not held responsible she will do it again. My mum mattered. Her life mattered but it was taken from us."
Her other son Riley Alex said: "Since the death of my mum I have to manage a life without her. I was young when she died, at an age where I still needed my mum more than anything else in the world, but she was gone. There will always be an empty space and an emptiness in our lives that will never be filled.
"Every milestone since reminds me of everything that was taken away from us and all the things she will never get to see. I'm left with unanswered questions and a heart that will never be mended."
Sister Samantha Grocock said: "In 11 short months we saw our beautiful Claire transform from a strong, independent woman filled with love, kindness and laughter to an unrecognisable version of her former self. A version who was afraid, isolated and broken."
