Family pay tribute to the ‘kindest mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend’
A family has paid tribute to a loving mum, daughter and sister after her estranged husband was sentenced to life in prison for her rape and murder
A family has paid tribute to a loving mum, daughter and sister after her estranged husband was sentenced to life in prison for her rape and murder.
Michael Thompson, aged 56, was today (July 14) sentenced to life and must spend a minimum of 33 years in prison before being considered for parole.
He has also been added to the sex offender’s register for life.
Last week he was found guilty of the rape and murder of Kimberley Thompson, aged 43, at the end of a six-week trial held at Nottingham Crown Court, where he returned to today to be sentenced.
He was also sentenced for two charges of perverting the course of justice, one for covering up the rape, the other for covering up Kim’s murder.
Following the end of the court process, Kim’s family paid tribute to her.
Athena, Kim’s daughter said: “Around 3-4 per cent of children lose a parent before they reach 18, I am part of that percentage, however, around 0.0004 per cent of children, lose their mother due to their father murdering them, I am now also part of that percentage.
“I don't want people to know my mother as only a victim. I want everyone to know she was the most loving, kind, thoughtful person to ever exist, and without a doubt the best mother a daughter could ask for.
“My mum was my best friend, she was meant to be constant in every part of my life, and I was supposed to make countless more memories with her.
“I've lost the one person I knew I could always rely on, the one person who filled me with happiness effortlessly, even though my mum was someone who always put effort into everything she did.
“My life was the best because she was in it, and my mum did everything she possibly could just to see me smile. She was my rock, just as I was hers.
“Losing my mother in such a violent and senseless way has completely shattered and destroyed my world. At an age where I should be focusing on my future, I am battling constant grief and a profound feeling of abandonment.
“I thought good people got good things, but this case proves that even the most dedicated, compassionate, warm-hearted people do not get what they deserve.
“My mum deserved more than I can even put into words. She did not deserve to have her life stripped from her, by a viIe, nefarious, toxic person.
“I've had to watch all my friends, and all my teammates spend time with their mum, post about their mum, make memories with their mum, call their mum, listen to people share stories about their mum, whilst I can't even mention mine without bursting into tears.
“All I want is my mum. I want to hug her and tell her how much I love her.”
Dionne, Kim’s sister said: “I want to start by saying how much Kim was loved and how much she meant to all of us – she was the kindest mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend.
“We will never get over the loss and pain caused by this selfish act. Christmases, birthdays, milestones, get-togethers, they will not be the same without our Kim.
“To me, Kim was the best sister and friend, someone I thought would be by my side throughout my entire life. It’s difficult to describe the sheer joy we both got from simply spending time together. Being with our children, our greatest achievements, made us indescribably happy. And to know I’ll never see her again or experience these special moments as a family haunts me every day – I miss her so much.
“I want the whole world to know that Kim really was the bravest, most selfless, precious and wonderful person and she will never, ever be forgotten. Finally, you have the justice you deserve Kim. I love you and will keep your memory alive. May you now be left to rest in peace. Until we meet again.”
Amanda, Kim’s sister, said: “Kim loved her children more than words can say. One of the most devastating aspects of Kim's death is the impact it has had on her children. Not only have they lost their Mum, they have also lost the stability and security that every child deserves. They are now having to navigate their childhood and future without the love, guidance, support and reassurance of their mother.
“I no longer have the chance to speak with her, visit her, share family events or create memories together. The knowledge that these opportunities have been taken away is deeply upsetting.
“No sentence the court can impose will ever be long enough to reflect the pain, heartbreak and devastation caused to my family. Our family has been left to live with a loss that can never be repaired. We have effectively been given a life sentence of grief.
“Kim, I think of you every minute of every day. I love you with all my heart.”