The grief-stricken family of Elizabeth Nnyanzi said justice has prevailed for their "beautiful, clever, vibrant, and loving daughter".

Elizabeth's mother Coreen, a food technology teacher at Nower Hill School, Harrow, father Joseph, a solicitor, and sister Cressida watched as lifelong family friend Peter Kibisu was sentenced to at least 27 years in prison today for the 31-year-old's rape and murder.

In a statement, they said Elizabeth's memory will live in their hearts forever.

They said: "Elizabeth Nnyanzi was a beautiful, clever, vibrant, and loving daughter, big sister, relative, and friend to many.

"Her life was cruelly cut short by this heinous crime which we will not allow to destroy our family. Instead we shall continue the good work she started as a way to honour her memory, and her great belief that good triumphs over evil.

"The careful investigation by the police and the thorough analysis of the case by the Learned Judge has meant that our faith in the justice system has not been shaken.

"We are relieved that Peter Kibisu, who murdered and raped Elizabeth, will be imprisoned for a long time, so that he will no longer pose a threat to the public.

"Peter's family and our family grew up together and we regarded him as part of our family. We could never have imagined that our trust could have been betrayed in this way. His wicked and selfish act has also greatly damaged friendships made over a number of decades.

"We want to thank everybody who has genuinely supported us. It has been the longest wait of our lives, but our faith in the legal system has remained strong and justice for Elizabeth has prevailed.

"We will always remember Elizabeth as a people's person and we will remain in touch with her extensive supportive network to bring about positive change. Her memory will live in our hearts forever."