Heartbroken mother pays tribute to her "little princesses" (From Daily Echo)

Heartbroken mother pays tribute to her "little princesses"

5:42pm Tuesday 23rd September 2008 in Paynes Road Deaths By Jenny Makin, Assistant News Editor

THE distraught mother of two young girls murdered by their father, who then killed himself, has today paid tribute to her "little princesses".

Kerrie Hughes spoke following the deaths of her daughters Ellie, aged three, and one-year-old Isobelle, at the hands of their father David Cass.

Miss Hughes, of Elderberry Close, Fair Oak, also urged every mother to tell their child how much they love them, every day.

In a statement to the Daily Echo Kerrie, 20, said: "I would like to say thank you to all my friends and family for their support and condolences but as you will understand, it is a hard time for us and we are all trying to deal with it as best we can.

"Everybody who knew my babies knows just how beautiful they are and that they are and always will be princesses in everybody's eyes, especially mine.

"I would also like to tell every mother that no matter what is going on or how busy your days are, to tell your babies how much you love them and what they mean to you with a hug and a kiss too, every day."

Grahame Hughes, Kerrie's uncle, also spoke on behalf of the Hughes and Hayes family and paid tribute to Ellie Marie and Isobelle Frances.

He said: "This whole situation seems almost unreal to us. We are all quite numb over what has happened.

"It is as if time has stopped. We are all very upset and this is a difficult time."

Mr Hughes added: "We also feel very much for Dave's family too, who are going through the same sort of thing. We feel respectful to all the friends and family and others who have offered us their condolences and support.

"Kerrie is obviously having a very difficult time and we are all trying to be here for her and each other."

David Cass smothered Isobelle and Ellie in the caravan where he lived in the grounds of a Southampton garage.

The MOT tester then hanged himself nearby after making a phone call to family telling them what he had done and that he loved them.

He also left a chilling message for Miss Hughes, saying "the children have gone to sleep forever".

Police found the children's bodies as well as that of Mr Cass at Paynes Road MOT, in Paynes Road, Freemantle, following a 999 call shortly before 7pm on Sunday.