Family’s tribute to ‘dearly loved’ Leon and Michelle

THE family of a mother and son found dead in their Sighthill home have paid tribute to their loved ones and told how they were struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

The bodies of Michelle Stephen and five-year-old Leon Weston were discovered together on Tuesday evening at their home in Parkhead Grove by Michelle’s husband Barry Stephen.

A police investigation is continuing into the tragedy but it is believed Michelle, 31, took her own life after suffocating Leon.

In a statement today, relatives spoke of the love shared between Michelle and her husband while honouring the Parkhead community for their words of support.

“We would like to pay tribute to two very special members of our family who were dearly loved and will be sadly missed,” it read.

“In the wake of this tragic incident we would like to thank everyone for their kind words, warm condolences and tributes.

“Barry and Michelle were a couple very much in love. Both were devoted to Leon and the whole family are struggling to come to terms with the loss of two such precious lives.

“With this in mind, we would now ask for some privacy and time to grieve in peace.”

Michelle Weston, a clerical assistant who worked in the school office at St Augustine’s RC High School, had been left devastated by the death of her father, prison officer Jim Weir, who died in January.

The pair were said to be very close, and Mr Weir, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer, is believed to have moved in with his daughter near the end of his life.

Today, a neighbour who declined to be identified, said: “It’s been really hard on the children around here who all used to play with Leon but they have been offered counselling and seem to be slowly getting back to normal.

“They have spoken to the wee girl who used to play with Leon because she was quite upset by it all.”

Leon was one of several children in the cul-de-sac who collected junk from their homes last summer to hold a jumble sale, raising £30 for Cancer Research.

Outside the family home a shrine to mother and son has been growing since the tragic news broke on Tuesday evening. A teddy in a Spiderman costume bore a note which read: “Leon, I will miss playing with you. Love your friend Ryan.”

Another message, written on a drawing of a fire engine, simply said: “Leon liked firemen”.

A large banner read: “A wonderful woman who went through a lot of emotional heartache. It’s a sad way it had to end.”

A book of condolences to remember Leon has been opened in the foyer of St Nicolas Church while a ceremony organised by the community council will see balloons released into the air in tribute to the schoolboy.

A private assembly dedicated to Leon will be held at Murrayburn Primary School.