Josie Russell's `great progress'
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
THE HEADMASTER of Josie Russell, the girl left for dead by a hammer attacker who killed her mother and sister, has paid tribute to her bravery.
Dewi Jones said Josie, 12, who was left unable to speak and with a reading age of five after the attack three years ago, had made such progress that she will be treated like any other pupil at her new school.
One concession is that she has a special helper from the local education authority, who was with her at primary school and makes sure she the understands lessons.
Josie started at Dyffryn Nantlle School, in Penygroes, near Caernarfon, north Wales, on Thursday after being held back a year at primary school. She now has a reading age of eight, and is talking excitedly about her plans for the future.
Josie's evidence was crucial to the conviction of Michael Stone for the 1996 murder of her mother, Lin, and her sister, Megan, in Chillenden, Kent.
"I remember what happened but I don't like thinking about it," Josie said. "I don't have nasty dreams any more. I feel much happier about everything."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments