'Our loss is heaven's gain': Jeremiah Regis' dad speaks of 'inconceivable' toll of son's murder
'Losing your child is hard enough to deal with, but losing them through murder is just inconceivable'.
The words of Jeremiah Regis' father Sahr Nguajah, who provided a heartfelt victim impact statement to the court on the sentencing of the boy's killer, and his mother.
In the statement read out at Birmingham Crown Court, Mr Nguajah said he could not describe how he felt about losing Jeremiah, but told of how the death had impacted him, and painted a picture of a 'happy, cheerful' young boy.
And he also hit out at his ex-partner Sindyann Regis, who he said should have protected Jeremiah, while also adding he felt guilt and self-blame from the tragic episode.
The electrical engineer said: "He was my beautiful boy with his whole life ahead of him.
"I had many hopes and dreams for Jeremiah, for example going to nursery where he would make new friends and start to learn new things about young life.
"Then starting school wearing his first school uniform and beginning his journey as a young child creating wonderful memories, learning about love and laughter along the way.
"I will never know what Jeremiah may have become as a young man.
"I know he loved to laugh and already at such a young age he loved to sing and dance. He found so much pleasure and joy in music. He loved it if you sung to him and would join in."
Mr Nguajah said he did not have an active part in the boy's life due to 'circumstances beyond my control'.
But he said: "Jeremiah was everything you could hope for and so much more.
"He was happy, cheerful and full of mischief.
"He had an inquisitive nature and was affectionate and his affections for the people in his life had no limits.
"He had an infectious smile, lovely big dark eyes and curly hair and loved his sister, Genevieve."
Speaking about Mcgregor, he said: "As a parent you assume the natural role of being the protector, although unable to protect against illness you should be able to protect your children from violence within the home.
"I was unable to protect Jeremiah and this lack of being able to protect him increases my guilt and self-blame.
"His early departure has left a massive void in my life.
"He was loved by all that knew and came into contact with him in his very short life.
"Jeremiah will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
"I wasn't ready to say goodbye and neither was Genevieve, but our comfort is that Jeremiah will always remain in our hearts forever and ever, our loss is heaven's gain."
