Gemma McCluskie murder: Father says he will not desert Tony
Gemma McCluskie's father Anthony, at the front, followed by her brother Danny outside the Old Bailey - Credit: PA
The father of Tony McCluskie convicted of murdering his sister, EastEnders actress Gemma McCluskie, has said he would not turn his back on his son even though he was responsible for the murder of his daughter.
Anthony McCluskie Snr said: “The circumstances of Gemma’s death have had a great impact on my life both mentally and physically.
“I would also like the court to know my son Tony Jnr is suffering as well. I will not desert him, even though he has done a terrible crime and taken Gemma’s life.”
Carol McCluskie, Gemma’s stepmother and Tony McCluskie Snr’s wife, said: “I have watched my husband slowly become a broken man.
“There has always been laughter in our house but now it is very rare.”
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The jury reached their decision after 11 hours and 47 minutes of deliberation. Friends and relatives sobbed in the public gallery as the majority 11-to-1 verdict was announced.
Outside court choking back tears Tony Snr said his daughter was known as ‘Gem Star’ or ‘Little Gem.’
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He added: “She was small in stature with a huge personality with a zest for life. Goodbye and God bless Gemma, we all miss you and love you.”
The jury reached their decision after 11 hours and 47 minutes of deliberation. Friends and relatives sobbed in the public gallery as the majority 11-to-1 verdict was announced.