The heartbroken mother of Hannah Clarke has offered surprising insights into her murderous son-in-law, telling an inquest he was “all for display”, had no empathy and would use his kids as punishment.
Two a long time just after her beloved daughter and grandchildren ended up murdered by her then son-in-law Rowan Baxter, Sue Clarke discovered her disturbing interactions with the guy while he was married to Hannah. Baxter was at first from Tauranga and played for the Vodafone Warriors.
Baxter murdered Hannah and their small children Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3, as the spouse and children drove to faculty on February 19, 2020.
Hannah Baxter’s children Laianah (6), Trey (3) and Aaliyah (4). Image / Getty Photos / Fb
Armed with a knife and jerry can of gas, he doused the car or truck in petrol and set it alight.
Sue Clarke on Wednesday instructed the court docket that she didn’t originally like Baxter but warmed to him.
But, soon after Laianah was born, his behaviour turned terrible.
“He would phone me names, he would convey to me there is certainly no cause for me to be at the health and fitness center,” Clarke explained to the courtroom.
Clarke recalled an incident when Rowan was supporting her in the gym but dropped her, severely injuring her experience.
Rowan Baxter, Hannah Clarke and their kids. Photo / Supplied
She claimed Rowan then “laughed” at her.
“He advised me to harden up, points like that transpire all the time when you play football,” Clarke mentioned.
The court docket was informed that Baxter would punish his mother-in-regulation by refusing to allow her see the small children if Hannah “misbehaved”.
Hannah was not allowed to dress in shorts or the colour pink.
Clarke said Baxter would berate Hannah as “excess fat and lazy” in entrance of the little ones and at periods criticised having to pay female customers of the gymnasium as “pigs”.
Sue Clarke said Rowan Baxter’s behaviour would change unpleasant. Photograph / NCA Newswire
Baxter would appear to act as a generous particular person “all for demonstrate” – shouting beers, coffee and lunches for his mates even though investing the family’s money.
“I could under no circumstances say what I thought (to him),” Clarke mentioned.
“He unquestionably did not care for the little ones at all … hardly ever modified nappies, dress the children, get them breakfast, pack lunches or something like that. It was all for demonstrate.”
Clarke reported she was only knowledgeable that Baxter remaining a recording unit in her Camp Hill home until eventually witnesses gave proof on Monday.
The court docket was instructed that Baxter “kidnapped” Laianah on Boxing Working day, using her to northern NSW.
Through this time, Clarke mentioned Baxter demanded that Hannah operate his gym class in his absence, but she refused.
Hannah told users on social media that she needed almost nothing far more to do with the health and fitness center, prompting Baxter to contact and abuse her and shut down the total enterprise.
Rowan Baxter was component of New Zealand Warriors 2005 squad. A Close friend of Baxter’s informed the court docket of his jealous and managing behaviour in the direction of his wife. Image / Andrew Cornaga
When Laianah was returned, Clarke stated she appeared “traumatised”.
“Aaliyah was offended, the full time … in her minimal intellect, he’d been begging (Rowan) to place her down,” she stated.
Clarke gave heartwarming tributes to just about every of her grandchildren – “articulate and dazzling” Aaliyah, “little middle and tiny dynamo” Laianah and “sporty” Trey.
The inquest carries on.
How to get assistance
If you’re in hazard now:
- Mobile phone the law enforcement on 111 or talk to neighbours or mates to ring for you.
- Operate outside the house and head for where there are other men and women. Scream for enable so your neighbours can listen to you.
- Choose the kids with you. Never quit to get something else.
- If you are getting abused, keep in mind it truly is not your fault. Violence is hardly ever alright.
The place to go for assistance or far more facts:
Disaster line – 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
Helpline – 0508 744 633 (readily available 24/7)
Spouse and children violence facts line – 0800 456 450
Specialist expert services for African, Asian and Middle Jap women and young children. Disaster line – 0800 742 584 (obtainable 24/7)
For information and facts on loved ones violence
Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga:
Nationwide Community of Household Violence Solutions
Aiming to eliminate men’s violence to women