A father has today been convicted for killing his two-year-old son in Muirhouse.
Lukasz Czapla, 41, was jailed for a minimum of 23 years at the High Court in Edinburgh for murdering Julius at his flat in November 2020.
Emergency services were called to the family home where Julius was found seriously injured and was pronounced dead a short time later.
Today the tots mum issued a heartfelt tribute to her son.
Patrycja Szczesniak said: “I only wanted the best for you. If only I could only turn back time to have you in my arms again my child.
“Despite the breakup with Julius dad, I wanted him to have contact with our son. I never stopped him seeing Julius. He loved him like every child loves their dad. He trusted him, he trusted him completely.
“Julius was murdered only for revenge. His dad wanted me to suffer, he succeeded and achieved his goal, at the cost of my beloved little boy’s life.
“If only I knew what was going to happen. I would have never thought he could do this to my child.
“He was only two and a half.
“Every day I think about Juliusz. I can’t imagine what his little, helpless heart felt that night and I feel his fear and pain every day. He was part of me, part of my heart and soul.
“I wish I could hug him, play with him and watch him grow.
“Every day I ask myself why there is so much evil in this world, why the innocent have to suffer.
“He not only took Juliusz life but my life too.
“That day, the world stopped, not only for me but also for my mother and my sister.
“Julius was a very happy child. He lit up the place wherever he showed up. He could put a smile on anyone’s face and always looked forward to calls with his Grandma and Auntie. They managed to build a strong relationship despite the distance in miles between us and enjoyed every minute they had together.
“It is breaking our hearts that we are no longer able to take his hand and lead him through life. To watch him enjoy riding his bike and eating his favourite ice cream. Listen to his giggling and laughing and being amazed by the things he learned every day.
“There was so much we wanted to show him but this chance was brutally taken from us and now the only thing we can do is to prey for the highest possible punishment. We want to believe in the justice system and that justice will be served, although I know there is no sentence that will bring my angel back to life.
“Czapla should not have the right to any defence and we will fight to ensure that monster never leaves prison.
“My suffering and my pain will stay with me for the rest of my life. But the unconditional love I have for my baby; my dearest child Juliusz will never end.
“My family, friends and l will miss him dearly and we will suffer his loss until the end of our days.
“Julius left us the most beautiful memories that will remain in our hearts forever.”
Czapla had offered to plead guilty to a lesser charge of culpable homicide on the grounds of diminished responsibility but these were refused by the Crown.
A jury took around three hours to return their verdict.
Detective Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Julius was a bright, happy young boy and his loss in such horrendous circumstances has been devastating for his mother and his family.
“Lukasz Czapla is now facing the consequences of his actions.
