‘They were failed by their parents’

Karen said: “I forgive my nieces and nephews. I have forgiven them forever because I know they acted out of fear and desperation.

‘These were children. Children aged six and eight, who did not understand their own bodies.’

She added: “They spent most of their lives in prison and paid for their actions. During that time, they have become supporters and advocates for children who have been victims of sexual violence.

“I believe they have suffered enough. I ask prosecutors to consider the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

Brian fiercely defended the brothers, saying: “I think of the pain and suffering they have endured. It breaks my heart to know that the system has failed them so deeply.

‘They were trying to protect themselves. The only way they knew how.”

Brian also noted that the brothers “are not the same people they were 35 years ago and” have shown that they are more than their past.

He continued: “They are survivors, they deserve a chance to rebuild their lives. There is no longer a threat to society.”

Joan wrote that “Lyle and Erik were failed by the very people who should have protected them: their parents, the system and society as a whole.”

She said that after the details of Lyle and Erik’s abuse came to light, it was clear the boys were simply trying to survive their father’s cruelty and had to defend themselves.

Erik wrote: “I tried to avoid dad. It still happens Andy, but it’s worse for me now. I never know when it’s going to happen and it’s driving me crazy. Every night I stay awake thinking he might come in.

‘I have to get it out of my mind. I know what you said before, but I’m scared. You just don’t know Dad like I do. He’s crazy!’

While Cano testified that Erik spoke about his father’s abuse at age 13, prosecutors managed to prevent his testimony from being heard at the brothers’ retrial.

The famous brothers were convicted of murdering their parents in 1996 after their first trial was overturned.