Jeroen Ensink stabbing: Young widow Nadja Ensink’s heartbreaking victim statement in full
Nadja Ensink outside the Old Bailey this afternoon after Femi Nandap's sentencing hearing. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Nadja Ensink-Teich, wife of Jeroen Ensink, was tearful at numerous stages of today’s sentencing hearing for her husband’s killer, Femi Nandap.
Nadja and Jeroen Ensink. Picture: Nadja Ensink/PA Wire - Credit: PA
But with Fleur, her 10-month-old daughter, sat behind her, Mrs Ensink-Teich gave this brave and moving victim impact statement.
Staring at Nandap across the court for a full two seconds, she then began: “I see this as an opportunity to get across our side of the story, and show how a single mindless act has affected our life. No words can describe our loss, and pain we are going through.
“Jeoren and I had an instant connection, and shared the same values. He was internationally renowned, committed to the simple cause of water sanitation. He was my soul mate.
“We were building our wonderful life together in London and got married in 2012. We waited until December 18 last year for Fleur and got everything we wanted. He was the proudest dad, but only for 11 days.”
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Mr Ensink was killed as he set off to post cards announcing Fleur’s birth. Mrs Ensink-Teich continued: “I remember saying: ‘Don’t go now, you can post the letters later.’ But Jeroen wanted to make sure they were sent before the new year.
“He never came back. He was stabbed to death right outside our front door in a random attack by a complete stranger. The street was stained with his blood.
Nadja Ensink, centre, outside the Old Bailey with family this afternoon after Femi Nandap's sentencing hearing. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire - Credit: PA
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“I got a call from the midwife saying she couldn’t get in as the road was cordoned off. I went down to see what was going on. I knew it was something horrific.
“I went to a police officer to see if I could find my husband. They asked me for a description. I told them. They sent me upstairs with my baby. Officers knocked on my door. I knew instantly.”
Mrs Ensink has moved back to her and Jeroen’s home country of the Netherlands. She said: “I don’t know how I manage to go on, but I am surrounded by loving family and Fleur has flourished. But there is always a massive void and I am already dreading when she asks why she doesn’t have a father.
“All I want is to have my old life back. I used to be independent, and positive. Now I am constantly fearful that something awful will happen. I look at people differently. I don’t want to, but I do.
“Fleur experienced death at an unacceptable age. I miss the life I was supposed to have. I miss hearing about his day at work. I miss the inside jokes. I miss his laugh. I miss his touch. I miss the sound of his voice when he tells me he loves me.”
