The family of murdered model Sally Anne Bowman say they can now grieve in earnest' after Mark Dixie was found guilty of her murder.

In a statement read after the 37-year-old pub chef was found guilty the 18-year-old model's dad Paul Bowman, said: "The last two-and-a-half years, as you would imagine, have been tortuously painful and immensely difficult and I do not think we could have got through it without the love and support that has been hugely available, when needed, from family and friends.

"I hope that now Sally Anne can rest in peace and those affected so deeply by her untimely and brutal death can be afforded at least the chance to begin to grieve in earnest.

"Sally Anne, you may have been taken from us but rest assured you will forever be missed and never forgotten.

"In the words of the song, Your heart will go on.'"

Sally Anne's dad pays tribute