Chapter 11 - SENTENCING
Martha’s sentencing hearing lasted most of a day.
Experts discussed the physical harm.
Psychological harm.
Risk factors.
Treatment prospects.
Her history.
Emily.
Leo.
The court considered her guilty plea and lack of prior convictions.
It also considered the prolonged deception and vulnerability of an eight-year-old child.
Richard gave a victim-impact statement.
He did not call Martha a monster.
He said:
“You made our son believe being sick was the safest way to receive love.”
Martha broke down.
Richard continued.
“I hope you get treatment. But treatment cannot require Leo to become your experiment again.”
The judge imposed a substantial custodial sentence followed by supervised release, with strict restrictions concerning contact with Leo and requirements for mental-health treatment.
The exact consequences reflected the offenses proven and admitted.
Not attempted murder.
Not Emily’s unproven death.
Leo’s case.
Martha was taken into custody.
She looked at Richard once.
May you like
He did not look away.
But he did not rescue her.
