Family of murdered Emma McArthur release new tribute

THE family of murdered mother-of-two Emma McArthur, from Kingsclere, have released a new tribute to their lost loved one.

Yesterday, Thursday, September 23, Christopher Joseph Minards was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 16 years and two months, for stabbing her to death.

The new tribute states: "No words can express the sadness and feelings we have as a family at the loss of Emma. Emma was a very private person, and would have hated the intrusion into her and her families lives.

"Emma was a very strong-minded independent woman, a problem solver, she liked nothing more than stripping down a mower, Ragworting a field or pickling her home-grown chillies.

"Emma was very caring, helping others when needed.

"Emma had a wonderful smile, a giggly laugh, and smiling eyes that could light up a room. She was able to converse with anyone from different backgrounds and different subjects, She was not aware of how many wonderful qualities she had.

"She was a very loving mother to her two children, often going without herself so they could have extra food or toys on birthdays and Christmas.

"There is so much more we could say about her.

"Emma touched so many lives and she leaves us all with good memories that we hope will carry us through the tough times ahead.

"She will always live on in our hearts. x"

Ms McArthur, who lived at Anchor Close in Kingsclere, was murdered by Minards, who lived at Station Road, Thatcham, on the night of April 1 at the junction of Crookham Hill and Burys Bank Road near Newbury.