ONE of the worst aspects of the trial for the devastated parents of fun-loving Emily Longley was coming face to face with Turner’s mother and father.
Mark and Caroline Longley believe they have been treated “appallingly” by Anita and Leigh Turner.
The jewellers tried to help their son in covering up the vicious murder of impressionable girlfriend Emily, whose mum told the Daily Echo: “Emily found boyfriends quite restricting and would not have liked Elliot trying to control her.
“Her catchphrase was ‘I just want to have fun’.”.
For four long weeks the Long-leys endured shocking detail about Emily’s death and were horrified and upset by what they had been listening to.
But they have also had to contend with the Turners – seeing them every day. It has added to the pressure.
Mark told the Daily Echo: “Something that has been difficult for us is that there has been a complete lack of remorse displayed to us by Elliot Turner and his parents.
“They haven’t even looked at us as if they feel sorry that we have lost our child.”
Caroline added: “She (Anita) looks at us as if it is our fault that she is there. She makes no attempt to keep out of our way and nearly walked straight into me the other day.
“There has never been a sign that they recognise or have sympathy that our daughter is dead.”
Both Mark and Caroline said they have found it impossible to understand why the Turners didn’t call an ambulance when they discovered Emily’s body.
“It must have been a shock to discover someone has died in your home but what is the first thing any decent person would do?
“They’d dial 999,” said Mark. Caroline told how Emily didn’t like Elliot Turner the first time she met him and said: “Mum, I can’t stand him – he’s a playboy.”
But a double date brought the pair together and Emily’s feelings began to change.
“There’s a very nasty side to Elliot Turner but there’s also the charming side,” said Caroline.
“He wined and dined her and I’ve heard she enjoyed his company sometimes.
“She enjoyed going out and she was only 17.”
Caroline said she believes Emily had recognised danger in the relationship.
“I’m really proud of Emily for recognising controlling and manipulative behaviour in a man.
“She saw the signs and was trying to get away. He is scum.”
The family have now moved out of their Winchester cottage and are preparing to return to New Zealand.
Both Mark and Caroline have had lengthy periods away from work but said they are grateful for the support they have received from employers, police, family and friends.
Emily’s sister Hannah, 16, will now attempt to catch up on the studies she has missed during her time in England.
“I missed a lot of my GCSE lessons last year but managed to do all right so I’ll try to do the same this year,” she said.
The family know they will never be the same without Emily.
“She had such presence – she just lit up the room when she walked in.
“We really miss her,” said Mark.
“She would not have wanted our lives to collapse because of her death.
“That is what keeps me going.”
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