Father describes daughter as ‘the spring in our steps’ as Emily killer sentenced

Eltiona Skana, 30, got up from a bench and randomly attacked Emily Jones as she went past on a scooter, calling out, “Mummy! Mummy!” to her mother jogging round Queen’s Park, Bolton on March 22.

Emily Jones’ heartbroken father described his daughter as “the beat in our hearts” and “the spring in our steps” as her killer was sentenced to a hospital order.

Mark Jones, 49, had his victim impact statement read by prosecutor Michael Brady QC, at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, before Skana was sentenced.

Mr Jones’ statement read: “How can you put into words how you feel about the senseless death of your only child?

“Emily was the beat in our hearts, the spring in our steps, and the reason we got up every morning.

“Emily was our beautiful, spirited little girl. A bundle of energy with an infectious personality.

“Emily loved life and had not a care in the world.

“One smile from Emily and she had her daddy wrapped around her little finger.

“Emily was a loveable child, full of innocence and wonder.

“She was just starting out on her path in life and her future has been cruelly cut so short.

“Our future has also been taken away. How can you enjoy life when the biggest part has been taken away?

“We will never see her hold her own child in her arms as we held her.

“The loss of Emily has had a profound and significant impact not just on her family but the whole community.

“The last nine months have been spent in limbo.

“We can’t move on at this time. We can’t see a future. It is literally one day at a time.

“We can’t understand how this has happened, we want people who are hearing this statement to understand that this should not have happened.

“How can an innocent child playing in a park be killed in such a violent, monstrous way?”

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