Sidney Palmer's family issues tribute

Following today’s sentencing, Leanne Palmer, Sid’s daughter has released the following statement:

“The impact the murder of my dad has had on my life is unreal.  Not only has my dad been taken away so has a part of me. 

“I’ve always been a daddy’s girl even when I didn’t see him for them years.  He finally came back to Leicester, and I was so happy, but quickly that happiness turned to sadness when the news of what happened was broken to me.  My world fell apart. 

“The last time I spoke to my dad we had an argument; this was just days before he was killed, and we never got chance to make up properly.  That opportunity has been taken away because of their actions and the choice to carry a knife.

“My partner and children have to watch me break down daily because all I want is my dad back.  Knowing I will never hear my dad’s voice again, see his face or the fact that my dad will never see his grandchildren is having a massive impact on my life and mental health and will do for years to come. 

“I have an amazing family around me that are always there for me. They are always there to comfort and reassure me when I need them but it’s my dad that should be there to do that for me in times of upset. Due to the horrific actions of these men, he will never be able to do that for me now. 

“The pressure of going through a court trial and attending court listening to the details and circumstances as to why my dad had his life taken has been sickening and has become too much for me. 

“I suffer nightmares from having to identify his body.  This is something a daughter should never have to do under these circumstances. 

“I have spent months imagining what could have possibly happened for my dad to be killed in this way. It keeps going over and over in my head and it turns out he was just trying to help and do a good thing.  After seeing the CCTV footage, I have seen what really happened and I have sleepless nights thinking he was in pain and how could someone do that to him.

“There are no words in the world that can describe how I feel or how I will ever feel all I know is that I will never be the same again.” 

Jon Palmer, Sid’s brother, has released the following statement:

“Hearing the news of Sid’s death was devastating and a day I will never forget.

“Although we were not as close in recent years, Sid will always be a very much-loved part of our family and we still can’t believe he is no longer with us.

“Sid was known by so many people around Leicester, and they would always say what a well-liked and cheery character he was.

“He died in the most tragic circumstances when all he was trying to help, which shows what type of person he really was.

“On behalf of the wider family, I would like to thank all those involved in the police investigation and the Crown Prosecution Service for their support and bringing the case to court.”