Leanne's family living in 'hell'

Leanne's family said they feel "nothing" for her killer

The family of Leanne Tiernan have given their reaction to her killer's two life sentences.

Leanne's mother, Sharon Hawkhead, 41, said she hoped Taylor would never be released.

Speaking at a press conference after the verdict was delivered on Monday, Mrs Hawkhead said: "We all loved Leanne very much and miss her terribly.

"More than 18 months has passed since she went missing and I don't know how we have managed to get through it."

Taylor did not react when he was sentenced

Accompanied by her daughter Michelle Tiernan, 20, and her ex-husband Michael Tiernan, 42, Mrs Hawkhead said Leanne "meant everything" to her family.

"She was a fun-loving girl who had loads of friends," said Mrs Hawkhead.

"Although John Taylor has been locked up, our agony continues.

"We feel nothing for him.

'Feel easier'

"We are pleased that he has been locked up so he can't do this to anyone else, but life should mean life."

Mrs Hawkhead said her family's life had been "just total hell" since her daughter disappeared in November 2000.

Mr Tiernan fought back tears as he thanked Detective Superintendent Chris Gregg and the investigation team from West Yorkshire Police, for their work.

He said: "Just knowing that he (Taylor) is never going to be coming out to do this to anybody else should make everybody feel a lot easier."