The grieving family of murdered Emma Faulds said they could not believe their 'beautiful daughter was killed in such a violent way by a person who was supposed to be her friend'.
Killer Ross Willox was found guilty of murdering Emma, 39, before dumping her body in a remote woodland in April 2019.
The 41-year-old was convicted by a jury following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday.
He was charged with killing his friend at his house in Monkton, Ayrshire, before disposing of her remains in Glentrool Forest, Dumfries and Galloway.
Emma's heartbroken family released a moving statement in the wake of his conviction.
They said the court case was 'arduous and harrowing' but they are 'thankful' for the result.
It read: "We are absolutely devastated by Emma’s death and her not being with us has left a tremendous void in all our lives.
“We cannot believe she was taken from us in such a violent way and what makes it even worse is that Ross Willox was supposed to be her friend.
“The court case has been arduous and hearing about what happened that night has been harrowing but we are thankful that Willox has been found guilty and he will have to live forever with the consequences of his actions.
“We’d ask now that we be left to grieve now the court case is over.
"We will never forget what happened to Emma, however, we will always remember her as our beautiful, loving daughter, sister and friend.”
Emma and Willox became friends when they worked together as prison wardens at HMP Kilmarnock.
At the time of her death, she was working at The Kibble Centre in Paisley, Renfrewshire, a centre for vulnerable youngsters.
Willox denied the charges but was later convicted.
Ayrshire Police Division later released a statement in the wake of the conviction.
Detective Inspector Peter Crombie, the lead investigator on the inquiry, said: “As you can imagine, this has been a very difficult and traumatic time for Emma’s family who are still devastated by her death.
"They are a close knit family and have been a great source of strength to each other.
"Their support during the investigation has been invaluable.
“Ross Willox was a friend of Emma’s and had known her for a number of years.
"What happened between him and Emma at his home that night remains unclear and only he truly knows what led to her death.
"Willox's actions with regard to the disposing of Emma's body are incomprehensible and sickening.
"Her family could have been denied being able to mourn their loved one with a funeral or knowing her final resting place.
"Thankfully, due to the efforts of officers, we were able to find Emma which allowed her family some comfort.
"I sincerely hope that the fact that he has now been found guilty will afford them some sense of justice."
Willox will be sentenced next month.
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