Survivor and partner felt ‘sidelined’ and ‘in the dark’published at 11:52 GMT
11:52 GMT
In statements, Sharon and Martin said they were “kept in the dark” about the criminal process.
They said they had no contact with the prosecution counsel, or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) before Valdo Calocane’s sentencing in 2024.
“I didn’t get to speak to anybody in person, apart from that FLO [family liaison officer],” Sharon said.
She added she felt like she was “let down”.
Rachel Langdale KC, counsel to the inquiry, said: “Did you feel you were sidelined?”
“A hundred per cent yes,” Sharon said.
The inquiry heard Sharon was described by police as “walking wounded”.
Martin said it made him feel like Sharon was “less important” and “didn’t matter”.
The inquiry was also told nobody had explained the court proceedings to Sharon or Martin, and they were not given the option to watch the hearing remotely.
“There was no communication with anyone,” Martin said.