Jo Cox’s husband, Brendan, paid tribute to his late wife today as her murderer was sentenced to life in prison.
In an emotionally-charged victim impact statement, Brendan described Jo as ‘a much-loved friend, daughter, sister, auntie, wife and mum’ who ‘lit up’ her family’s lives.
Brendan delivered his statement at the Old Bailey, as Thomas Mair was convicted of the Labour MP’s murder.
Here's the Family Impact Statement I read in court, I wanted the court to focus on who she was not how she died https://t.co/au8xaGe7LS
— Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) November 23, 2016
“We feel nothing but pity for him; that his life was so devoid of love that his only way of finding meaning was to attack a defenceless woman who represented the best of our country in an attack of supreme cowardice,” he said.
Insisting that Jo was the focus of the family’s statement and court appearance, Brendan described his late wife as a woman who was ‘interested in everyone’ and ‘earnestly committed to making the world a better place’.
He went on to pay tribute to Jo’s life, work and, in particular, her role as a mother-of-two.
Jo lit up our lives. And she still does. #JoCox #TruePatriot #MoreInCommon pic.twitter.com/PoSkBT7D97
— Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) November 23, 2016
“Jo loved being a mum. She threw herself at it with the energy and enthusiasm that defined her. From time to time, the lack of sleep and exhaustion started to get to her – but with a little help she’d soon rebound,” he said.
Brendan came in for major praise after sharing the statement on Twitter, with messages of love and support flooding in for him and his family.
We're thinking of Brendan and his children at this very trying time. He has shown incredible bravery today.
