24/07/2022
My husband started writing his life story while he was ill in hospital this time round. Unfortunately, he only managed to get to page 26 before he became too poorly to continue.
After the terror of the last few weeks following his death, I have finally managed to muster up the courage to read it. What I read last night, from a young boy and his 3 brothers, being removed from a beautiful, innocent childhood living on a farm, to the horrors they experienced under the care of our manx government.
I can only speak of my husbands story, but the degradation, humiliation and pure vile abuse he received is absolutely irreprehensible. My husband told me right from the outset, of his story and being abused in knottfield but I did not understand the true picture, nor could I imagine in my wildest dreams what these children went through.
I am going to do everything I can to make sure his fight for justice continues. Yes, Joseph Marshall is now in prison. However, he is appealing his sentence and I very much hope he gets a longer not a shorter sentence, to the extent that he dies in prison. He is not safe walking our streets. I am absolutely abhorred about what this man did to innocent young children and the scars he left them with, will stay for life.
All my husband wanted, was not compensation in monetary value for the failings of the Isle of Man government. He just wanted a profound apology for the lack of care and safety, him, his brothers and other children were afforded. My brother in law wrote to the government, when my husband was dying, to ask if they could expedite this. They said they couldnโt as 'the appeal was in progress" and my husband died, never getting that apology he and those children so deserved.
I will fight for this apology as I know it meant so much to him. I have absolutely no idea how he came from such a horrendous, sickening upbringing, having to fight for everything, to teach himself how to survive, to being the most hard working, kindest, funniest, beautiful husband and dad anybody could wish for.
His soul is now free from all he endured during the early part of his life and he has left my son and I with wonderful memories.
Thank you all for continuing to support our familys fight for justice for the victims of knottfield.