In a heart-wrenching case that has gripped the local community, a jury at Nottingham Crown Court has concluded that Veronique John, 50, killed her two young children and stabbed her partner. The trial-of-facts, which ended today, confirmed the brutal attacks that left the city in shock.
Veronique John, who resides in Stoke-on-Trent, was previously found unfit to plead, rendering her unable to participate in the trial. As a result, the court proceeded with a trial-of-facts, a legal process used when a defendant is incapable of undergoing a standard criminal trial.
The harrowing events unfolded on 11 June 2023, when emergency services were summoned to a car wash on Campbell Road, Stoke, following reports of a stabbing. The victim, identified as Ms. John’s partner, was hospitalised and later discharged after receiving treatment for his injuries. This incident led officers to a residence on Flax Street, where they discovered the lifeless bodies of Ethan John, 11, and Elizabeth John, 7, both with severe injuries. Despite immediate efforts from paramedics and police officers, the children were pronounced dead at the scene.
Today’s conclusion by the jury mandates an indefinite hospital order for Veronique John. Under a trial-of-facts, the jury’s role was to determine whether she committed the acts in question, without assessing her guilt or mental state. Should she be deemed fit to plead in the future, a criminal trial will be convened.
Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan, of the Major Investigations Department, expressed her deep sorrow over the tragic case. “This case was distressing for all involved. It was traumatic for the local community and has left so many people devastated by what happened,” she said. “My thoughts remain with their father, family, and friends at such a tragic time both here and in other parts of the world.”
DCI Hannan also extended her gratitude to the local community for their support during the investigation. “I’d like to thank everyone from the local community who pulled together in such desperate times to help us investigate what happened and to provide as much support as possible for those affected,” she added.
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