The mum of murdered tot Julius Czapla last night spoke of how she feels her life has ended because of her former evil partner’s actions towards his son.
Devastated Patrycja Szczesniak said that Lukasz Czapla, 41, took Julius’s life to get revenge for her decision to start a relationship with a new partner.
In a statement issued to Police Scotland, Patrycja said she feels that Czapla has destroyed her as well as her son.
She said: "Julius was murdered only for revenge. His dad wanted me to suffer, he succeeded and achieved his goal, at the cost of my beloved little boy’s life.
"Every day I think about Julius. I can't imagine what his little, helpless heart felt that night and I feel his fear and pain every day. He was part of me, part of my heart and soul.
"I wish I could hug him, play with him and watch him grow. Every day I ask myself why there is so much evil in this world, why the innocent have to suffer.
"He not only took Julius' life but my life too. That day, the world stopped, not only for me but also for my mother and my sister."
The court heard evidence how Czapla assaulted Julius after she tasked him with caring for the little boy.
She sent him a text telling him of how she had started a new relationship. This prompted Czapla to send her a series of texts quizzing her about her new partner and their sex life.
She refused to respond and Czapla shot Julius three times in the head with an air pistol before stabbing him with a metal skewer and smothering him with a pillow.
Patrycja said: "I only wanted the best for you. If only I could only turn back time to have you in my arms again my child.
"Despite the breakup with Julius's dad, I wanted him to have contact with our son. I never stopped him seeing Julius. Julius loved him like every child loves their dad. He trusted him, he trusted him completely.
"If only I knew what was going to happen. I would have never thought he could do this to my child. He was only two and a half.”
Patrycja recalled happy times with Julius and promised to use these memories to ensure that Czapla remains in prison.
She added: "Julius was a very happy child. He lit up the place wherever he showed up. He could put a smile on anyone's face and always looked forward to calls with his Grandma and Auntie.
"They managed to build a strong relationship despite the distance in miles between us and enjoyed every minute they had together. It is breaking our hearts that we are no longer able to take his hand and lead him through life.
"To watch him enjoy riding his bike and eating his favourite ice cream. Listen to his giggling and laughing and being amazed by the things he learned every day.
"There was so much we wanted to show him but this chance was brutally taken from us and now the only thing we can do is to prey for the highest possible punishment.
"We want to believe in the justice system and that justice will be served, although I know there is no sentence that will bring my angel back to life.
"Czapla should not have the right to any defence and we will fight to ensure that monster never leaves prison.
"My suffering and my pain will stay with me for the rest of my life. But the unconditional love I have for my baby; my dearest child Julius will never end.
"My family, friends and l will miss him dearly and we will suffer his loss until the end of our days. Juliusz left us the most beautiful memories that will remain in our hearts forever.”
Detective Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, welcomed the conviction and sentencing of Czapla.
He added: "Julius was a bright, happy young boy and his loss in such horrendous circumstances has been devastating for his mother and his family. Lukasz Czapla is now facing the consequences of his actions.
" The outcome of this case will never bring Julius back but it does bring this aspect to a close. Julius’s family have understandably asked for privacy during this difficult time.
"I would like to thank the local community and our dedicated team of officers, along with our partner agencies, who assisted throughout the duration of the investigation.”
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