Appeal made it worse, say Deans

Wednesday 2nd April 2008, 2:29PM BST.

Chris and Martine Dean, daughter Lindsey McLaren, friends and supporters outside the court after the appeal had been rejected. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0557937

JAMES DEAN’S parent’s told yesterday how the appeal process had added to the family’s heartbreak at his loss.

Craig Rouget was convicted of murder in July and the appeal concluded yesterday. ‘It’s made the grieving worse knowing that this was coming up because we knew we would have to go through it again,’ said James’s father, Chris. ‘We will never get over losing James, but now we will carry on with our lives as best we can. We have a close family and good friends.’

James’s mother, Martine, said that just returning to the witness support room in the courts complex had been an uncomfortable experience, as was hearing parts of the case discussed again.