‘It’s only a matter of time before someone takes a chance to do her in’
The stepmother of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes has reportedly been placed in prison isolation for her own protection after being jailed for the six-year-olds murder.
32-year-old Emma Tustin, who was sentenced to 29 years in prison, is said to be in protective custody at HMP Peterborough, reports the Sun.
An inside source told the newspaper: “Every effort is being made to protect her from attack. Like it or not, prison officers have a duty to keep order and the rule of law inside.
“In her case, they’re gritting their teeth to do it but she’s a massive target. It’s only a matter of time before someone takes a chance to do her in.”
A spokesperson for HMP Peterborough declined to comment, stating: “We do not comment on individual prisoners.”
Tustin and Arthur’s dad, 29-year-old Thomas Hughes, were sentenced at Coventry Crown Court last week.
Hughes was imprisoned for 21 years for manslaughter, while Tustin was sentenced to life.
Tustin was allegedly already a target before her trial, with inmates throwing salt at her amid the accusation that she poisoned Arthur with it.
Former cellmate Elaine Pritchard said she confronted Tustin after discovering the true details of the case, going on to fight with her and calling for the guards to stop her from going further.
Birmingham City have also announced that they have renamed part of St. Andrew’s Stadium in memory of the six year old.
A club statement read:
In addition to the previously announced plans of installing a giant flag and memorial bricks at the front of St. Andrew’s, the Club, along with the support of our brand partner Fridays, has renamed the Fridays Family Zone to Arthur’s Area.
“This will be a fun-filled space for young supporters to enjoy prior to kick-off. Planned activities will be arranged on a match-by-match basis with information points installed by local children’s charities to help tackle child abuse.
“The Club has also been contacted by local stencil artist Disney, who recently sprayed a touching tribute to Arthur in the city, and he has kindly offered to donate his talent to the area, creating designs in the new Arthur’s Area to ensure his memory lives on.”
The statement continued: “Plans are in place to create a memorial garden in Arthur’s name at St. Andrew’s where supporters can take a quiet moment to remember him, and all their loved ones who have passed away. The Club will share the designs with supporters when they have been finalised.
“The programme for Saturday’s fixture with Cardiff City will also honour Arthur on the front cover, and £1 from every sale will be donated to children’s charities in Birmingham.
“Further plans to honour Arthur permanently are being put in place and will be communicated in due course. The Club will also be reaching out to Arthur’s family, and work with them to decide which charities the family would like us to support.”
Related links:
- Mum in jail for murder pays tribute to son, 6, killed by his dad and new girlfriend
- Child abusers could now face life in prison under government-backed plans
- Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: Dad and partner found guilty of killing boy who was tortured and starved
