‘Our lives have a huge void’

THE victim impact statement on behalf of the Mangan family, was read in court by the late Joanne Mangan’s sister, Christina.

“Since October 16, 2007, to say we are heartbroken, even devastated, doesn’t seem to convey how we really feel since we lost Joanne.

“Our lives will never be the same, there is a pain and an emptiness that will never go away. Anyone who has lost a daughter or sibling would understand that pain we are feeling every day since last October.

“Joanne was our youngest daughter — she is the second youngest of our eight children. From a child she was so full of fun, love and life. Joanne would brighten up any bad days we had in our lives. We still cannot believe we will never see or hear from her again and find it hard to accept our beautiful daughter and sister so full of life and love could be taken from us in such a brutal, violent and senseless way.

“Our last memory of Joanne is leaving her home in Newcastle and saying, ‘Bye mammy and daddy, love ya’.

“Joanne, as our sister, was a best friend. Our lives have a huge void since she is gone. She was always there to talk to and brighten up our lives. Not a day goes by when we don’t think of her and miss her.”