The sentencing proceedings of self-confessed murderer Amber Lee Hughes continued on Wednesday after being postponed for two consecutive days.

Hughes took the stand and addressed the court, speaking about her upbringing, mental health struggles and previous legal advice she received before trial.

Intent to plead guilty

Hughes tells the court that while she was still appearing in the Regional Court, she had indicated that she wished to plead guilty to murder.

@southern.courierHughes tells the court that while she was still appearing in the Regional Court, she had indicated that she wished to plead guilty to murder. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“One of the most common questions I was asked by several doctors was how I would like to plead. And I stated to them that I would like to plead guilty to murder,” she says.

She says she communicated her intention to her previous legal representative, Michelle, before the matter proceeded in the High Court.

According to Hughes, she was informed that she would have to plead to all three charges; rape, sexual assault, and murder and could not plead guilty to murder alone.

She further tells the court that she was advised she could receive a suspended sentence.

When asked whether she knew she had killed the child at the time she testified in her defence, Hughes responds: “I did, yes.”

Breakdown while in detention

Hughes also speaks about incidents that occurred while she was detained in 2024 after being charged with two counts of rape.

She says she suffered a breakdown and used a blade to cut her arms and wrists. She was subsequently placed in the hospital unit at the correctional facility.

“It was just a breakdown that I had,” she tells the court.

Troubled childhood described

The accused describes her childhood as unstable. She says she was close to her mother until about the age of nine.

When she was around six or seven years old, her mother was involved in a severe car accident and later became addicted to pain medication due to a spinal injury.

Hughes says her mother’s addiction progressed to cocaine, alcohol, and other substances.

Struggles with mental health

She testifies about harming herself as a teenager, saying there were approximately 10 attempts between the ages of 14 and 16 that involved overdosing and cutting.

@southern.courierThe convicted accused speaks in the witness box at the Johannesburg High Court, describing her troubled childhood, mental health challenges, and the legal advice she received as sentencing proceedings continue. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

She confirms that she has been receiving medication and treatment since being detained.

At the age of 15, she says she suffered a mental breakdown.

Education and schooling history

Hughes tells the court she obtained a qualification through Boston City Campus in 2017.

@southern.courierAmber Lee Hughes answers questions in the witness box at the Johannesburg High Court as sentencing proceedings continue following her conviction on charges of r*pe and premeditated m*rder. Full story to follow on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

She previously attended Edenvale High School up to Grade 9 before being removed due to bullying. She was later enrolled at Jeppe High School for Girls.

Objection sustained in court

During proceedings, defence attorney Marius Bouwer addresses the court on aspects relating to the relationship between Hughes and the child.

However, an objection is raised and sustained by Judge Richard Mkhabela, who rules that the specific line of questioning is irrelevant and requests that it be rephrased.

Proceedings continue.