‘I will never recover’: Family of murdered Karen Peter speaks out as husband jailed for life
Karen Peter with her daughters. Picture: Met Police - Credit: Met Police
The family of Karen Peter, who was murdered at her Rush Green home by her husband, have spoken out about their “special” relative.
Thomas Peter has been convicted of murder. Picture: Met Police - Credit: Met Police
The victim impact statements were read out in court as Thomas Peter, 50, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years.
The couple’s three daughters, who sat in court, all gave evidence in the trial against their father.
Imogen Peter, 22, said she longed for “cuddles on the sofa” with her mother as she recalled treasured memories.
She always saw her father as her “protector” but said: “The irony is it was him we needed protection from.”
Karen Peter. Picture: Met Police - Credit: Met Police
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She said: “We are young, we do not want to be engulfed in sorrow, we still have our lives to live.
“When we remember Mum we want to remember her funny capers, her laughter, not that tragic day. Our mother deserves to be remembered for the special person she was.”
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Mrs Peter’s mother Marjorie McDonald, 80, told how she had now lost two “amazing” children, including her son Daryl 22 years ago.
On the loss of her daughter and “best friend”, she said: “I knew her marriage to Thomas wasn’t right but she never talked about it and I never pried.
Police at the scene in Valentines Way, Rush Green Picture: Tom Horton - Credit: Tom Horton
“I look back now and I wish I had asked more questions.”
She added: “I feel such sorrow knowing Karen will never see her gorgeous children grow, get married or have children of their own. Thomas has taken this away from Karen, from all of us.
“On August 2 I stood in the street outside Valentines Way and watched helpless as it burned. All the while my daughter, Karen, lay trapped inside. This day will torture me forever. I will never recover from the loss of my children. No parent should ever outlive their children and stand at their graves.”
Father Dennis McDonald, 81, described his daughter as “bubbly” and his “partner in crime”.
