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In
this exclusive statement to NW, Michael Hutchence's mum talks about her
concern for Tiger Lily
by
Helen Renshaw
Part 1 |
Paula Yates's attempt to
take her own life last week by hanging herself from a door - an eerie reconstruction
of her late lover Michael Hutchence's suicide - is no surprise to those
close to her. Friends say she has spoken of suicide almost every day since
Michael's death last November.
Her half-sister, Linda Plentl, says, "Paula
has simply not been able to come to terms with Michael's death. Michael
really adored her and gave her everything she needed in life - and that
was taken away."
But Michael's mother, Patricia Glassop, has labelled
Paula's actions "selfish" in a stunning statment, exclusive to
NW.
"I feel sorry for Paula, as it is obvious
she is in need of help, but I believe that Paula's suicide attempt was a
selfish act on her part, whether it was a cry for help or to gain attention,"
writes Patricia. "I believe that because Paula has stated many times
that Michael would not have left Tiger, yet this is exactly what she intended
doing."
While some reports have suggested that Paula was
depressed about disputes with Michael's family over his $43-million estate,
Patricia denies they've ever fought over her son's will. "The truth
is," she writes, "we have never, ever, discussed it."
To her statement, Patricia says she's very concerned
about her granddaughter, Tiger Lily, and wishes she was closer to her, both
geographically and physically. Despite this, Patricia has quashed rumours
that she's applying for custody of the child. |
 Since
Michael's death, Paula has been treated for a nervous breakdown and agoraphobia. |
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Last
week little Tiger Lily was seen with a black eye as our heart-wrenching
photos - taken the day after her mother's suicide bid - show. While there's
absolutely no suggestion the black eye is the result of any act of abuse
from Paula or anyone else, it couldn't have happened at a worst time. With
Paula's recent suicide, no-one can help but have concerns for the 23-month-old.
However, Tony Krouk, an accredited specialist in
family law, doesn't believe photos like that of Tiger's bruised face would
effect a custody hearing if Paula's suicide bid raises the issue, "The
court looks at all evidence - affidavits, cross-examination testimonies,"
he says. "It can't make any conclusions based on photos of a child
looking bruised. The court requires proper primary evidence."
At 11.30 am last Tuesday, Paula was found semi-conscious,
dangling from a cord noose from her bedroom door by her close friend Belinda
Brewin. An ambulance was called to Paula's London home and she survived.
She is now at a clinic that specialises in grief counselling and is expected
to remain there, under constant care, for up to three months.
Friends close to Paula say she has focused all her
energy on the loss of Michael. One friend, who was with her when she awoke
in hospital after her suicide bid, reports that she could only sob, "Michael,
Michael, Michael!" |
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