The mother of a Manchester Arena bombing victim says the conviction of Hashem Abedi for the murders of the 22 people who died in the terror attack came as a ‘relief’, and says she is hopeful of further clarity from future legal hearings.
June Tron’s son Philip, 32, died when caught up in the blast at the end of an Ariane Grande concert in May 2017, as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, brother of Hashem, detonated a home-made bomb in the arena’s foyer as crowds were leaving.
Hashem Abedi was found unanimously guilty of the murders, having conspired with his brother to plan the attack, following a seven week trial earlier this week.
Mrs Tron watched the trial via a video link at her local court in Newcastle, and says has been grateful for the support she has received throughout.
“It has been a very difficult time to hear how these two evil men plotted to carry out this attack which killed so many and destroyed so many more peoples’ lives,” she said.
“Of course, all families hoped to see a conviction and it was certainly a relief to see him found guilty of murdering all 22 victims.
“I really want to say a thank you to my local court in Newcastle who were extremely accommodating and to Manchester Police who provided regular updates also.
“The verdict doesn’t make us feel any better, as we’re all still without our loved ones who we miss every day, but it has brought some closure in terms of justice and the next step for us now is hopefully some further clarity over what happened and how in future legal proceedings.
“We would like to thank our family and friends, the Family Liaison Officers and our legal team at Hudgell Solicitors for their continued support through what are obviously difficult, but important legal processes.”
A Public Inquiry will now be held into the bombing. It is scheduled to start in June and last for four months. Victoria Richardson and Neil Hudgell, of Hudgell Solicitors, will be representing Mrs Tron and another family who lost a loved one in the attack.
