'We got the life sentence', says murder victim's family

Alex PopeBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageThames Valley Police/Contributed Carol Georgiou standing in front of a white wall, wearing a black suit jacket and a silver necklace. She has long blonde hair and is smiling. Thames Valley Police/Contributed
Carol Georgiou one of six sisters and was a devoted mother of two boys

The sisters of a "devoted mother" who was drowned in a garden hot tub by her husband say her family and friends are "the ones who got the life sentence".

Andrew Georgiou, 45, admitted murdering mother-of-two Carol Georgiou, 42, at their home in Holywell Place, Milton Keynes, on 2 November 2024. He was jailed for 16-and-a-half years at Aylesbury Crown Court on Tuesday.

Carol was one of six sisters and a mother to two grown-up sons.

The family said: "The absence she leaves in our 'six piece puzzle' can never be filled" and they encouraged domestic abuse victims to "seek help and support".

News imageBrian Farmer/BBC A group of people gathered on the steps of Aylesbury Crown Court - a red-bricked building with black-framed entrance doors.Brian Farmer/BBC
Relatives and friends of Carol Georgiou gathered outside Aylesbury Crown Court on Tuesday after Andrew Georgiou was jailed

The family, who released a moving statement through Thames Valley Police, said the sentencing of Georgiou meant he would "spend a significant amount of time in prison for killing Carol".

"While we are relieved that justice has been served, no sentence will ever bring her back or account for how cruelly her life was taken, and we her family and friends are the ones who got the life sentence," they said.

"Carol was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend - kind, vibrant, and full of warmth.

"She brought light to those around her and made everyday moments extra special.

"As a sister, she was a central part of our bond, and the absence she leaves in our 'six piece puzzle' can never be filled."

Her family also spoke of the impact on Carol's children.

"She was first and foremost a devoted mother," they said.

"Her boys were her whole world, and they have been robbed of growing up with her love, guidance, and support.

"They now face life without the person who loved them most, and she will miss every moment she should have shared with them."

News imageBrian Farmer/BBC A section of a flamingo scarf: white cloth flecked with images of pink flamingos.Brian Farmer/BBC
Relatives said Carol Georgiou was known as "the flamingo" - and they wore flamingo scarves at the court hearing in her memory

The statement said: "Our lives are forever changed. We will focus on keeping Carol's memory alive and carrying her love with us always.

"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Thames Valley Police, DI Mike Roddy, our Family Liaison Officers, and everyone involved in this case.

"Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to uncovering the truth and securing justice for Carol has meant more to us than we can ever fully express.

"We would also like to take this moment to encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse, in any form, to please seek help and support. There are people who will listen, who will believe you, and who can help keep you safe.

"Carol will always be deeply loved and missed by all who knew her."

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