Siblings Live in Fear Following Acquittal in Nine-Year-Old’s Death
The father of Aria Thorpe has revealed that his younger children now live in fear that the teenager acquitted of their sister’s murder could approach their home. He described the verdicts delivered in court this week as a profound “robbery of justice” following the tragic loss of his nine-year-old daughter.
Aria died on December 15 last year after sustaining a fatal stab wound to her chest at her home in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset. On Thursday, a jury found a 16-year-old boy, whose identity is protected by law, not guilty of murder and manslaughter, permitting him to leave the court a free individual.
A Father’s Devastation and Children’s Fears
Tom Thorpe, Aria’s father, expressed the family’s deep sense of injustice and incomprehension at their devastating loss. He stated, “We feel that the trial was a robbery of justice. We don’t understand how you can stand up in court, admit to stabbing Aria, claiming she wasn’t to blame, it was me 100 per cent but walk out the court a free man.”
He further revealed the emotional toll on his family: “Aria’s sister has mentioned that she is now worried that there is a potential that Aria’s killer could just turn up at their door. There are no restrictions to stop him travelling anywhere, she said it’s just not right that he is allowed to do that.”
Mr. Thorpe questioned the message this outcome sends to other children: “How do we tell our two eldest children who are 14 and 11, who know right from wrong, that Aria has been killed and the boy who killed her got away with it? We can’t get our heads around any of it. What example does this set to children across the country?”
The Court’s Account of the Fatal Incident
Evidence presented during the trial at Bristol Crown Court detailed the teenager’s account of the events. He testified that he intended to “scare” Aria and had picked up a knife with a 21cm blade from near the kitchen sink before entering the lounge. He described how Aria had stood up, and he began waving the knife, intending to make her flinch.
The defendant stated, “I leaned forward, acted like I was fencing.” He explained that Aria had begun to step forward, and before she could complete the movement, the knife entered her chest. He recalled pulling the knife out and being unsure of what to do, noting that Aria then put her hand to her chest.
The court heard that the teenager left the scene without checking on Aria or calling for assistance. He went to a nearby railway station, where he reportedly told a group of children that Aria’s death was an “accident.” One of these children subsequently contacted the police, informing the call handler that the boy had admitted to stabbing her and that she was deceased on the living room floor.
Later, the boy told officers, “I didn’t use a lot of force, but it was a big knife. I don’t know why I did it, it just happened… I walked over and stabbed her. She fell to the floor.” The jury ultimately found him not guilty of murder or manslaughter.
A Life Cut Short and Family’s Quest for Redress
Aria, remembered as a “bubbly” child, had enjoyed a dance class and a pizza dinner on the day of her death. Her family described her as “full of energy, curiosity, innocence and happiness.” Mr. Thorpe fondly recalled a family trip to Disneyland, remembering Aria’s delighted reaction to the princess characters and rides.
The family plans to obtain court transcripts to instruct an experienced criminal appeals barrister for a thorough review of the proceedings, aiming to ensure the trial was conducted fairly and correctly.
Extended Family’s Outcry and Grief
Other relatives have voiced their distress over the verdicts. Aria’s aunt, Katie Thorpe, questioned the definition of justice and the message sent to society: “How is this justice? What message does this send to society? What does it teach people when a child can lose her life in such a horrific and senseless way, yet nobody is held accountable? Our family has effectively been handed a life sentence. We will carry this grief, heartbreak and loss for the rest of our lives. Meanwhile, the person responsible walks free.”
Great aunt Sarah Cox Pike added, “To see the person responsible for taking our beautiful Aria’s life found not guilty is beyond devastating. It feels like the justice system has failed not only Aria and everyone who loved her, but every family who expects the courts to deliver justice.”
A Mother’s Last Memory
In a statement read to the jury, Aria’s mother, Victoria Hull, recounted her last moments with her daughter. She had gone to collect Aria from school but realized Aria had a dance class. Upon returning later, Aria described having a good day, enjoying homemade pizzas. Ms. Hull recalled Aria being “bubbly and happy” and asking for the last Oreo before Ms. Hull left for her evening work shift.
