Police are issuing the following statements on behalf of the family of Jade Bayliss, following the completion of the trial of Jeremy McLaughlin.
Statement from Tina Bayliss, mother of Jade Bayliss
(This is the statement that was read to media at court following the completion of the trial this afternoon)
"On behalf of my family, I would like to say that we are all incredibly relieved that the trial is over and that the jury has found Jeremy McLaughlin guilty of murder.
"We would like to thank the jury for their verdict and their time they have given to this trial.
"We hope Jeremy McLaughlin will receive a sentence reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.
"I would like to express our thanks as follows;
"To the Police, for their investigations and support, and to the Crown prosecutors for their preparation and efforts.
"To all of the witnesses who gave evidence in the trial and members of the public who came forward and assisted the Police during the courses of their investigation.
"To victim support, for their support and assistance.
"We would also like to thank our family, friends, the community and for their love and support. This has been overwhelming and so appreciated.
"Jade is a great loss to our family, unfortunately this verdict will not change the fact that she is no longer with us. This is something we have been trying to come to terms with for the last 17 months and it is extremely difficult to convey how this has affected us.
"Jade was a bright, beautiful, bubbly girl who was kind and loving and this is how we will remember her. We all love her very much and we miss her every day."
Statement from Gary Bayliss, father of Jade Bayliss
"Our family is extremely relieved the trial is over and the jury have found Jeremy McLaughlin guilty of the murder of Jade. We hope the sentence that is handed down to him reflects the seriousness of his crime.
"There are no words to fully express how terrible the last 17 months have been for our family. With this behind us, we want to remember Jade for the gentle, caring, funny and loving young girl she was; not for what happened to her that terrible day. She loved her family and we loved her back - we miss her every single day.
"Our sincere gratitude and thanks go to all the witnesses that came forward, to the people that testified and to the judge and jury. To the Police, the Fire Service, and the investigation team, we are grateful that all your hard work has found this man guilty of his terrible crime. To Victim Support - thank you for your continued assistance.
"Finally, a massive thank you for the love and support we have received from our family and friends. This has and will continue to help us come to grips with the immense hole left in our lives by the death of Jade."
(Gary Bayliss and family request space and ask that no member of the media make immediate contact with them. This is the only statement they are willing to make at this time.)
ENDS