Family gather to remember Gloucester mother and daughter two years on from their murder

The family of Laura Mortimer and Ella Dalby release balloons art their graves. Credit: ITV West Country

Two years on from the brutal murders of a mother and her 14 year old daughter in Gloucester, their family has gathered at their graves to remember them.

Laura Mortimer and her daughter Ella were stabbed to death by Christopher Boon in a fit of rage. He was sentenced to 29 years in prison.

Laura Mortimer and her daughter Ella Dalby Credit: Family pictures

Laura’s family and friends released balloons to mark the sombre occasion. Her mother, Hilary Stinchcome said: "I have memories of happy times, family times when we were all together.

"Laura was a brilliant organiser and wedding co ordinator, and Ella, she was such a talented dancer, and it breaks my heart that I can't see her dance ever again."

Families and friends at the graveside Credit: ITV West Country
14 year old Ella Dalby's grave Credit: ITV West Country
Laura Mortimer's grave, with flowers. Credit: ITV West Country

Christopher Boon, who was jailed for 29 years for the murders, had a conviction for assaulting a previous partner, though the family says they were never told that.

They say they could have stepped into help Laura and Ella had they known in advance.

He had also been accused of assaulting Laura. But she withdrew the charges. Her family says she was terrified of reprisals.

Christopher Boon, who was sentenced to life in Prison, with a minimum of 29 years. Credit: Gloucestershire Constabulary

A serious case review is taking place, to discover if there are any lessons which can be learned from what happened.

In the meantime, the carefully tended graves of Laura and Ella remain a place of some comfort for those who are grieving.