The verdict will, I hope, allow Josie and I to put the anxieties of the criminal proceedings behind us

Dr Shaun Russell

At long last Dr Russell learned that the man, who had killed his wife Lin and daughter Megan and had attempted to murder Josie, had been given three life sentences.

In a statement, he told how he and Josie were relieved at the verdict.

He also spoke of his sympathy for Stone's family.

"I did not envy the task faced by the jury and I am sure that I would have found it just as difficult to come to a decision beyond a reasonable doubt as they have done," he said.

Smile of relief

"However, I am confident that the police inquiry and the prosecution of the case was carried out diligently and that the court has done its best to see that justice is served.

Dr Russell and his daughter have started a new life in Wales

"The verdict will, I hope, allow Josie and I to put the anxieties of the criminal proceedings behind us and look forward to a more settled life in the future".

He said he had told Josie the verdict as she tended her pet rabbit, and she had smiled with relief and said "that's good".

"I personally have feelings of sorrow for the convicted man, having learned of the difficult life he has lived and I have sympathy for his family who have had to endure so much over the years," he said.

"It seems unlikely that Josie and I will ever have the consolation of an admission of guilt or a sign of remorse from the person who carried out the murders.

"However nothing can bring back my wife Lin and daughter Megan and so we must face the future with hope as they would have wanted and not with bitterness.

"Our thanks go out to all the people who have shown concern for our well-being over the last five years, not least the professionals who have supported us along the way, particularly those in Kent Police."