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With all the victim impact statements read and the couple finished having their say, the judge says he'll next give his final sentences, after a 20-minute break.

To her wife, Hamber says "none of this is what we planned for," but "we are still blessed in many ways."

"We have the truth always," Hamber says, apologizing for any harm she caused, reaffirming she had good intentions.

"I can learn from my mistakes and move forward," she says, adding she looks forward to a future with her, whatever that looks like.

Now speaking generally, Hamber says she can see clearly how some of her actions could have caused harm.

"I began to change the way I speak to people and react to the world" after L.L. Died.

She says her statements have been taken out of context to make her look "evil and psychopathic, which I am not."

"Justice has not been served here overall," Hamber says. 

She restates her defence, that she did the best she could for L.L., who she says had an eating disorder and died despite her best efforts.

Now, Hamber addresses her father-in-law, Ed Cooney, who lived with her and her wife.

The trial heard he is in poor health. He was not on trial, nor did he testify. 

She says she loves him and is sorry if her words or actions harmed him.

Conlan tells Hamber to please address him, not J.L.

She says she and J.L. Shared "many awesome times," and she hopes J.L. Will remember those.

"We all know what happened in our home because we were in there," Hamber says.

She apologizes for any harm she caused J.L., saying she didn't mean to cause him any. 

"I do understand why J.L. Is angry," she says, and "I wish J.L. Only happiness for the rest of his life."

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. 

"None of my words and actions were ever meant to harm you in any way," Hamber says, adding she only ever tried to help L.L.

"I did this out of love, never hate. I made mistakes for sure."

She says it's hard to know what to say to J.L. But "I loved being your mom."

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.

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