No one wins, we all lose David Boutflour, Bamber's cousin

"I find it difficult to foresee whether it will ever be safe to release someone who can shoot two little boys as they lie asleep in their beds," he said.

The trial also highlighted failings on the part of Essex police. he judge commented on the fact Bamber had "so nearly got away with five murders".

The court heard how all five victims were shot by Bamber last August at White House Farm in Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Essex.

He then placed the rifle and a bible on the chest of his sister Sheila Caffell to imply she had committed the murders before killing herself.

Detectives suspected Miss Caffell as she suffered from mild schizophrenia and had not been taking her medication.

However Mr Bamber's fingerprints were later found on the gun and his girlfriend, Julia Mugford, revealed he had talked about killing his parents.

Her mother Mary said: "We feel very sad about it all - knowing someone that well and knowing they are capable of such an act."

Outside the court Bamber's cousin David Boutflour said: "There are feelings of sadness and relief. No one wins, we all lose".

The motive for the murders is thought to have been financial. He was set to inherit �436,000 in what he thought was the perfect crime.

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