The family of Sheldon Flanighan, a dedicated ambulance worker, has expressed their profound grief and devastation as Toby Kelly, the murderer responsible for Sheldon’s death, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Last week, Kelly was found guilty of Sheldon’s murder and the attempted murder of his friend, Wayne Common. In today’s hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, he was handed a life sentence and must serve a minimum of 28 years.
The court heard harrowing details of how Kelly deliberately drove his van into Sheldon and Wayne outside a local pub on April 1, inflicting catastrophic injuries upon both men. Despite the efforts of paramedics and officers at the scene, the 55-year-old Sheldon tragically lost his life, while Wayne was left with long-term injuries.
During the trial, jurors were shown body-worn video footage of Kelly laughing and joking moments after learning about Sheldon’s death. The evidence further highlighted the callousness and disregard for human life displayed by the convicted murderer.
Today, Kelly was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 28 years for Sheldon’s murder, along with a sentence of 13 years and 149 days for the attempted murder of Wayne, to be served concurrently. Additionally, he will face a three-year driving ban upon his release from prison.
The statement from Sheldon’s family painted a poignant picture of the immense loss they now bear. They described Sheldon as an extraordinary individual who brought love, care, and laughter into their lives. As a dedicated father, he took great pride in his sons and cherished the strong bond they shared, built on love, devotion, and joyful moments.
The heartbroken family expressed the acute and devastating pain they continue to endure, overwhelmed by questions surrounding the tragic events and uncertain about the future. Sheldon’s dreams of witnessing his sons’ growth, their families, and future grandchildren have been shattered. His well-deserved retirement, after 29 years of service with the North East Ambulance Service, was also tragically cut short.
The funeral of Sheldon Flanighan drew thousands of mourners in his hometown of Amble, as his coffin received a Guard of Honour from the Ambulance Service. Sheldon’s caring nature and zest for life endeared him to friends, colleagues, and patients alike, making him a beloved figure throughout Northumberland and the wider North East.
The family finds it difficult to fathom a future without Sheldon and acknowledges that the world will be a lesser place without him. While they strive to move forward, their hearts remain heavy, and the void left by his absence cannot be filled. The impact on Sheldon’s family will be everlasting, and his memory will forever be cherished in their hearts.
As they navigate through the profound grief, Sheldon’s family appreciates the outpouring of support from friends and the community, who share their disbelief, sadness, and anger over this tragic loss. They conclude their statement by affirming that Sheldon will never be forgotten, and his spirit will live on in their hearts forever.
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