IPSWICH: Murder victim Rosalyn Hunt’s distraught brother today told of the grief his family bear each day and the guilt he will carry to his grave because he was not there to protect her.

Adrian Provins, of Ipswich, also spoke of his parents’ tear-stained graveside visits and how he hopes Ipswich Crown Court will take into account their suffering when 16-year-old double murderer Lorraine Thorpe is sentenced.

Thorpe, of Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, was convicted last week with Paul Clarke, 42, of Mountbatten Court, Ipswich, of the murders of her father, Des, 43, and Mrs Hunt.

The 41-year-old mother-of-two was found dead at her flat in Victoria Street, Ipswich, after she had been tortured and beaten.

Clarke was sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in jail last Wednesday after being given a life sentence.

Mr Provins, 46, said: “It is a year today that my sister Rosie was found dead. My mother and dad have already put flowers on her grave and that is the only contact they will ever, ever have with her.

“I have put flowers on her grave and that’s the only contact I will ever have with my sister.

“The hardest thing I have ever had to go through in my life was seeing my mum and dad crying at my sister’s grave.

“I know she is only a 16-year-old girl, but I hope when it comes to the sentencing of Lorraine Thorpe that the court will take into consideration the pain and suffering of my family and what Rosie went through.

“I can understand the grief of Lorraine Thorpe’s mum and family, and what they are going through. But it is nothing compared to what my mum and dad are going through.

“Rosie was my little sister and I feel guilty for not being there. I will go to my grave feeling that guilt.

“That guilt will never go away, because I was not there to protect her. I miss her so much.”

Lorraine Thorpe and Clarke were convicted last week after a seven-week trial.

Both had denied the murders. Thorpe’s sentencing has been adjourned pending reports until next month.

At Clarke’s sentencing, Mr Justice Saunders said shortly before Mrs Hunt’s death she had been subjected to a sustained physical attack, during which she had been kicked and punched, threatened with a cheese grater and a fan without its guard, beaten with a dog chain and had her hair set alight.

She died after suffering nine broken ribs and a blow to her neck/chest area.

The judge said he was satisfied Mr Thorpe was smothered with a pillow to prevent him revealing what had happened to Mrs Hunt.

n If you want to pay a tribute to Mrs Hunt, e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or write to Star Letters, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.