Hazel Stewart: Daughter considering meeting mother's killer

Lauren Bradford-Clarke, the daughter of Lesley Howell, has expressed her interest in meeting her mother’s killer to discuss her involvement in the murder. This development comes after Hazel Stewart’s unsuccessful attempt to seek a reduced sentence for the double murders of Trevor Buchanan and Lesley Howell. Stewart, who is currently serving an 18-year prison term for the 1991 murders, claimed that she was under the coercive control of Colin Howell, Lesley’s husband, who is serving a 21-year sentence for the crimes.

In an interview with the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster program, Lauren Bradford-Clarke revealed that she has taken steps to explore the possibility of restorative justice with her mother’s killer. She acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing that it would require delving into painful memories. Despite the challenges, she expressed a willingness to engage in a lengthy process to move forward from the tragedy.

As an assistant professor in criminology, Ms. Bradford-Clarke shared that she relies on her professional expertise to cope with the trauma of her mother’s murder. She reflected on the five years following the tragedy, during which Hazel Stewart played a significant role in her life. Ms. Bradford-Clarke recalled feeling a deep sense of loss and longing for a mother figure, emphasizing the emotional toll that revisiting the court proceedings takes on her.

Contrary to the recent legal arguments made by Hazel Stewart regarding coercive control, Lauren Bradford-Clarke voiced her personal opinion that this narrative does not align with the relationship between her father and Stewart. She rejected the characterization of Stewart as a victim, emphasizing the multitude of individuals impacted by the tragedy. Reflecting on her mother as the true victim in the case, Ms. Bradford-Clarke expressed discomfort with the prevailing narrative that positions Stewart as a victim

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