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Hamber is now up, and thanks the court for "allowing me to speak freely."

"No matter what I say, no matter how I say it or how I act," people will misconstrue my actions and wish me harm, she says.

She thanks a "small group of individuals" who stood by her throughout the trial.

She says the people most affected by "the situation" are L.L., J.L., Cooney and Cooney's dad. 

"I miss your hearty chuckle," Hamber says, as if speaking to L.L. 

Cooney starts reading a poem she has written in the first person, as if she is L.L.

Frew objects, saying it's not appropriate, but Conlan allows her to keep reading.

Cooney reads the poem quickly, but it appears to be about L.L. Experiencing abuse, then struggling with his mental health as Cooney and Hamber try to help him.

The gallery groans as she finishes speaking.

Conlan asks Cooney if she wishes to speak. She stands up.

"Trauma and grief affect my everyday life" she says, describing this as a "political bureaucracy nightmare."

Cooney says she and Hamber are the only ones still fighting for their kids.

"Wrongful conviction doesn't help J.L." and doesn't give L.L. A voice, she says.

Cooney says she hopes people will come forward to "free" her and Hamber, and protect other families.

She asks people to close their eyes as she reads something she prepared. Nobody appears to have closed their eyes. 

Monte MacGregor, Hamber's lawyer, says he trusts Conlan will make the right decision. He says there's no way to account for L.L.'s indescribable loss.

As the father of two sons, and someone who has experienced loss, MacGregor says, he wants to express how sorry he is for everyone who loved and cared for L.L. 

"It's hard to walk away not being impacted in such a significant way," he says. 

Turning to address J.L., MacGregor says he wants him to know what an incredible amount of "strength and courage" it took to be a witness in this case. 

"I am hopeful and confident that you will flourish going forward," MacGregor said.

He says he hopes everyone involved in this case will be held accountable for the systemic issues involved. 

The emotional impact of homicide trials is important to acknowledge, MacGregor says, and an incredible sacrifice for everyone in the room.

He thanks Conlan for his work, his colleagues and all the witnesses.

He says he hopes everyone who was part of this can move forward knowing they were part of something important.

The Crown is asking Conlan to impose the mandatory life sentence for murder, with no chance of parole for at least 25 years, plus five years for failure to provide the necessaries of life, three for forcible confinement and two years for assault with the zip ties.

Kim Edward, Cooney's lawyer, asks for a slightly lighter sentence on the charges against J.L.: Three for confinement, one for assault and three to four years for failure to provide the necessaries of life. 

This was "calculated and sustained" confinement, Frew says, noting J.L. Was isolated from everyone, including his brother. 

There were multiple layers of "domination and control."

She says Cooney and Hamber wanted money they were paid to care for the boys, but not to care for them. 

Hamber shakes her head.

The treatment of J.L. Is worth a sentence of five years alone, for failure to provide the necessaries of life, Frew says. 

She says Cooney and Hamber lacking criminal records is not a mitigating factor and there are a number of aggravating factors in this case.

A function of sentences for crimes against children is denunciation and deterrence, she says.

Frew is now going over some case law to make the Crown's argument for its preferred sentences. 

She refers to different child abuse cases and the sentences issued by the judges in those cases. 

Crown lawyer Kelli Frew says it feels almost silly to continue after what was heard in court from the victims.

Still, she continues with the work at hand. 

The Crown, Frew says, is seeking consecutive sentences for Hamber and Cooney on the charges against J.L., to run concurrently with a life sentence for L.L.'s murder, for which they would have no chance of parole for at least 25 years. 

The Crown is also asking for orders preventing Hamber and Cooney from communicating with L.L.’s and J.L.'s family, and the foster mom’s family.

"So many affected by the murder of L.L., and the suffering that was imposed on J.L.," Frew says, adding people's words today are more impactful than anything she could tell Conlan now.

Outside the courtroom on the break, I heard people who read victim statements, and the folks here with them introducing themselves to one another and offering words of support.

The hearing is about to resume.

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