The family of David Bettison, known as Did, have released emotional statements after Kyle Morley was given a life sentence for his murder.

After a trial at Leicester Crown Court, it was recommended that Morley serve at least 18 years six years for the crime which was committed in February of this year.

Details of the court case are HERE.

Mr Bettison's mother, Jackie Haines, said: "When Did died something inside me died with him.

"There is no pain like a mother losing a child.

"Only people who have gone through this devastation can really understand how it feels.

"None of us were able to say goodbye because of the brutal and tragic way Did was taken from us and that continues to haunt me.

"I have restless nights imagining his last moments and what he went through. I have nightmares and I wake and wish this whole thing was just one big nightmare, but it's not, we are living the nightmare.

Police at the scene of the crime in Hugglescote in February. Photo: Coalville Nub News

"As a family we have tried to pull together at the worst time of our lives but this past nine months have been very difficult.

"There have been a lot of tears and grief and we know there are so many more years of heartache and missed milestone to come. Every future family occasion will be tainted with sadness, and we will have to learn to live with that.

"Since Did's death it has become clear that he had so many friends and was a popular person in our community. We have been overwhelmed with the love and support shown by so many and this has brought us some comfort during this horrendously difficult time."

Mr Bettison's 15-year-old daughter, Gracie Mae Brown, added: "These past few months since my dad's death have been the worst time of my life.

"The pain, the horrible pain, has stuck with me since Friday 24 February and will forever be a part of me.

"I know my dad was not perfect, but he didn't deserve what happened to him and neither do his family.

"He was taken from us so cruelly and way too soon and we now have a lifetime of living without him."