THE grieving family of Angela Craddock have paid tribute to her following today's sentencing.

Throughout the two week court case, Angela's siblings David Craddock and Rachel Davies and other family members attended the trail every day to hear the evidence.

Judge Neil Flewitt QC today, Wednesday, praised the dignity they have shown in the courtroom, especially during the detailed evidence.

Angela's brother David Craddock, said: "We would like to firstly thank the jury and judge for the decision and sentencing today. And also everyone who has supported us throughout this very difficult period.

"Knowing William Smart can no longer be free to hurt another woman, we are somewhat comforted by the decision today. Angela was an intelligent, artistic and compassionate woman, she was also a very vulnerable woman.

"Our family continue to grieve, so thank you for respecting our privacy."

Angela's family embraced one another yesterday as the guilty verdict was delivered, with one family member holding his head in his hands.

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The jury took more than 11 hours to agree on a verdict and so the family faced an anxious wait.

During the sentencing, a victim statement was read out on behalf of Angela's mother, Patricia Johnson.

In the statement, she said: "I have not been able to attend court as I have found it very difficult, and could not bear to listen to all of the details.

“My life changed forever on April 10 as Angela's life was tragically cut short by the actions of a cruel man who hurt her so badly and left her naked on the floor to die, like something he had discarded.

"I am so grateful to the police and paramedics that she did not die alone, despite his actions.

“I felt numb and sick when the police phoned me in the middle of the night and told me that my daughter had died.

“I lie awake every night because my beautiful daughter has gone – I don’t know where she’s gone to and whether she will ever return.

"I sit at home waiting for her to call round as she would do at the weekends.

“It breaks my heart to think that she was hurt so badly and killed so cruelly.

“I lie in bed every night appalled that this man took away my daughter’s right to live.

“She will no longer grow old, sing, dance, visit me or go shopping with me.

“My life has been turned upside down in ways I had never imagined.

“There is nothing but emptiness and no kind words, apologies or comfort can fix this.

"She will always be the beautiful, kind, sensitive and compassionate person she was and no-one can ever take that away from me.

“Angela was thoughtful and kind to people – she always wanted to help others.

“One day I hope to find some acceptable and peace about what happened.

“I hope no other woman has to suffer at his hands.

“Although she went through tough times, she was a lovely daughter and I always tried to be there for her.”