During the sentencing hearing Rose sat in the dock with an anorak hood over her head and wearing headphones – her defence barrister said this was for medical reasons.
The court heard victim impact statements from the family of the children describing the effect of the tragedy on them.
In a statement read on his behalf their father, Dalton Hoath, described it as the “worst day of his life” when he lost his four “beautiful boys”.
“Their lives had only just begun,” he said. “It was every parent’s nightmare – I am devastated.”
The children’s great-grandmother Sally Johnson cried as she told the court: “They were my life. I now feel so empty.”
She said the only comfort at this time of distress and sadness was that “they are now all together forever and need never be alone again”.
Ms Johnson finished by stating she would like to use the children’s favourite word “Why?” Just why?”.
