The biological mother of murdered boy Arthur Hughes has spoken out for the first time since the conviction of the boy’s father and stepmother.

6-year-old Arthur’s father, Thomas Hughes, has been found guilty of manslaughter after systematically beating, bullying, and abusing his son while encouraging his girlfriend to kill him.

Meanwhile, the boy’s stepmother, 32-year-old Emma Tustin, was found guilty of murder after repeatedly slamming the child’s head against a hard surface shortly after the couple poisoned him with salt.

Following the convictions, the young boy’s biological mother, Olivia Labinjo Hughes, spoke out in a statement read by the 6-year-old’s grandmother, Madeleine Halcrow.

Olivia is currently serving her 11-year sentence after killing her partner in a drunken attack back in 2019.

“Following the conclusion of my son’s trial I want to take his opportunity to focus on the life Arthur lived and to celebrate the beautiful little boy I knew and loved deeply,” the mother said in a tribute to her son which was read out after the trial.

“The details of Arthur’s case are harrowing and incomparable but I want people to know who Arthur was, from his huge smile and his personality to his gentle and caring nature.

“All mothers are biased and believe their children are the best and I’m no different. From the moment Arthur was born he was always smiling and had the most inquisitive little mind.”

The tear-jerking statement added: “When I think about Arthur’s life and what he loved there are always three things that I always think about.

“Firstly, he loved to read or to be read to and any of the Julia Donaldson books were his favorite. When he started school his love of reading became a love of learning how to write new words.

“Secondly Arthur loved his food. He was 10lbs 6.5oz when he was born and his love of milk soon turned to his love of food.

“But what Arthur loved more than anything was being outside. He loved to play football and was kicking a ball around as soon as he could walk.”

The grieving mother went on to recall her son’s love for superheroes such as Superman, Black Panther, and Spiderman.

Concluding her tribute, Olivia expressed her grief saying she could never imagine she would lose her only child and her best friend so soon.

“If Arthur could ask for one final thing it would be that he would be remembered for his super power. That’s what I will always remember him for, his super power and Arthur’s super power was his smile,” she said.

Our thoughts are with Arthur’s family and friends.

 

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