KIRSTY O’Connell’s parents spoke of their devastation after watching the killer of their daughter and grandson jailed for life.

Stephen and Teresa O’Connell were in court to hear how Kirsty and Patrick, known as PJ died.

After the hearing, Mr and Mrs O’Connell, of Middle Brook Street, Winchester, said: “Not so long ago we were a happy and close-knit family. Within the space of just 48 hours our lives were cruelly ripped apart by the premature loss of our eldest daughter Kirsty and our only grandchild, fondly nicknamed PJ.

“We will never see our grandson’s first day at school, his first Nativity or his first sports day, and we will never see our daughter fulfil her dream working within the legal profession. Our future as a family has been devastated.”

Det Sgt Toby Elcock said: “Our thoughts are with Kirsty’s parents and their family, who have shown great courage and resolve throughout.”