British Mother's Children Lead Emotional Tribute in Spain Following Brutal Murder
The three young children of a murdered British expat stood alongside their grieving family during an emotional public tribute in Spain, as heartbroken relatives demanded justice for her brutal death. Victoria Hart, a 33-year-old hairdresser originally from Solihull, was found in a pool of blood with a kitchen knife by her side at her Spanish home, where she had lived for more than two decades.
Arrest and Confession
Spanish police have arrested her former partner, Juan Antonio Rueda, the father of her three children, after he drove to a nearby prison and told officers: 'Arrest me, I've done something very bad.' The former semi-professional footballer is expected to appear in court on Tuesday in connection with the murder as forensic teams continue to examine the property on the outskirts of Alhaurin el Grande near Malaga.
Emotional Vigil at Town Hall
Ms Hart's children - her 11-year-old son and twin seven-year-old girls - were joined by their grandmother Sue and Victoria's sister Jessica Cussen for a minute's silence attended by approximately 250 people. As the town hall clock chimed at 5pm to mark the beginning of the tribute, Sue, dressed in a black coat, held onto the hand of one of the twins while fighting back tears.
The family stood weeping on the steps of Alhaurin el Grande's town hall as white balloons were released into the sky and a round of applause broke out from the gathered crowd. Flags outside the municipal building and in the main square flew at half mast as a mark of respect for Ms Hart, whose death represents the fifth tragedy to hit the town in just over a month.
Family's Plea for Justice
After the silence, Mrs Cussen addressed the sombre gathering, stating: 'Thank you all for coming today, all I have to say at this moment is, we want justice for Victoria, and we will get justice for Victoria. That's all for now.' Bystanders, many visibly emotional, applauded her words as her husband James stood supportively behind her, raising a hand toward the crowd and blowing a kiss in acknowledgement of their solidarity.
System Failures and Domestic Violence Concerns
Family sources have revealed that Ms Hart was registered on Spain's VioGen system, introduced in 2004 to monitor those at risk of domestic violence. The system uses an algorithm to predict future risk and establish protection measures when a woman reports domestic violence at a police station. However, critics argue that overreliance on software causes some vulnerable individuals to fall through the cracks, calling for more professionals specialised in violence against women to ensure proper implementation.
One family member commented: 'There's a lot we can say about the system and how it failed Victoria, but now is not the time and the place. Now is just about her three children and looking after them, they are what is important.' Reports that the children pressed a panic alarm during the attack were denied by family sources, who confirmed the property didn't have one installed.
Community Support and Fundraising
Councillor Macarena Herrera, standing in for the absent mayor, joined the tearful vigil and expressed the community's solidarity: 'Our deepest sorrow and sympathy for what happened in our town on Saturday goes to Victoria's family. We hope that by being here together as a community for a minute's silence in memory of Victoria, we can give strength, support, solidarity, and love towards her family.' She added a firm condemnation of violence against women, describing it as 'a plague on society that must be eradicated.'
Ms Hart's best friend, Maxine Hill, who attended the memorial alongside the family, has established a GoFundMe page to support the children's immediate needs. By the conclusion of the vigil, nearly 20,000 euros had been raised. In an emotional tribute posted on Facebook, Maxine described her friend as 'joy, fire, and love in its fiercest form,' recalling their teenage years growing up together in Spain and Victoria's transformation into a devoted mother.
Attack Details and Aftermath
The attack occurred on Saturday around 11.40am, with the alarm raised after Ms Hart's son Jayden ran into the garden shouting for help before calling his grandmother, who alerted police. Another friend, Gemma, who attended the memorial after having her hair done by Victoria for eight years, told reporters: 'She lived for her kids, she was such a great mum and a fabulous hairdresser. Those poor kids are going to be scarred for life now. We just want the family and them to get justice.'
On her Facebook page, Mrs Cussen, who also resides in Alhaurin el Grande, posted the silhouette of a woman circled by a purple ribbon bearing the phrase 'Alto a la violencia domestica' (Stop domestic violence). The family continues to navigate the unimaginable tragedy while caring for the three children who have lost both parents in a single devastating moment.
