Verdict met with tears and anger

Sara and Mike Payne were sitting just four feet behind the man who killed their daughter as the verdict was announced.

The courtroom was eerily silent until the forewoman said in a clear voice: "Guilty", repeating it again. Mr Payne leapt to his feet and shouted: "Yes!"; Mrs Payne just went even paler, her head bent. Members of the public clapped their hands and shouted, while hardened policemen wept tears of relief.

Roy Whiting, who had been asked by the judge to stand, did not even flinch.

Before sentencing, Sarah's brothers Lee and Luke were brought in - a move designed to help them come to terms with the tragedy.

Sarah's parents, who have been in court every day of the trial, silently sobbed as details of how she was molested by Whiting were read out.

As Whiting was led to jail, Mr Payne, contorted with anger, shouted at him. Sarah's grandfather, Terry Payne, cried out: "I hope you rot in hell."

As it left, the police van carrying Whiting to prison was punched and kicked by angry parents. One woman shouted: "I hope you die - you scum."