The actions of murderer Ross Willox were today labelled "impossible to understand" following his life sentence for the killing of Emma Faulds.
Willox, 42, was this morning jailed for 20 years after his conviction at the High Court in Glasgow last month.
Now police chiefs have praised the family of Ms Faulds for their courage throughout the harrowing trial.
Detective Superintendent Suzie Chow, from Police Scotland’s major investigation team (West), said: “Today marks the culmination of an incredibly difficult time for Emma’s family, who have been left devastated by her death.
"They have shown tremendous strength throughout Police Scotland’s investigation and the trial, and I would like to thank them for the support they gave the inquiry team, which was invaluable.
“I hope the knowledge that Ross Willox has now been held accountable and will be behind bars for a long time provides them with some comfort.
“Ross Willox’s actions towards Emma, who was supposed to be a friend, remain impossible to understand.
"Despite his extensive efforts to make sure Emma was never found, the inquiry team were absolutely committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding her murder and bringing her home to her family.
“I would like to reassure the public that this type of violence and criminality will not be tolerated and Police Scotland will use all resources at its disposal to conduct thorough investigations and bring perpetrators to justice, ensuring our communities continue to feel safe.”
Emma, of Kilmarnock, had been reported missing by her parents Margaret and Ian when she failed to turn up for work.
After the killing at his home in Monkton, Willox drove the youth worker’s body in the boot of a car before dumping the naked remains at the end of a remote track in Glentrool Forest, Dumfries and Galloway.
Emma's remains were finally discovered six weeks after she was initially reported missing.
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