'Milestone' verdict for family

Alan Farthing: Hopes verdict will act as a milestone

Jill Dando's fiancé Alan Farthing hopes the conviction of Barry George for her murder will act as some kind of milestone for him in coming to terms with her loss.

Mr Farthing said throughout the trial he had done his best to represent Jill in a situation which at times "can be perceived to neglect the victim".

"We all hope that this trial will act as a milestone for each of us, in coming to terms with the enormous loss of Jill," he said outside the Old Bailey.

Nigel Dando: No feelings towards George

"I believe that it is worth emphasising that we are not here because of a misguided individual who so cruelly took someone's life.

"The real reason we are here is that we have all lost an extraordinary person who we all deeply admired and loved."

Ms Dando's brother Nigel welcomed the verdict, saying the past two years had "been very difficult for those closest to Jill".

But he said her family had drawn strength from an "enormous amount of goodwill" from the public.

"I would now be grateful if those closest to her could be left in peace with their memories of someone who was much loved," he added.

Asked how he felt about her killer, Mr Dando said: "I have no feelings about Barry George."

'Difficult decision'

Ms Dando's Crimewatch co-presenter Nick Ross described the verdict as a "relief".

"Given the carefully edited evidence the jury were allowed to hear, it must have been difficult for them to have reached the verdict and I am very grateful to them," he said.

I want to emphasis I feel no bitterness at all to Barry George and Jill was never one to demonise offenders

Nick Ross

"I haven no doubt that they were right, given what I know.

"I want to emphasis I feel no bitterness at all to Barry George and Jill was never one to demonise offenders. In fact in some ways I feel sorry for him.

"As Mr Justice Gage said today he represents a continuing danger to the public and may always do so.

"But I wish him a long, happy and fulfilling life and my heartfelt good wishes go to his family.

Nick Ross: Verdict was a relief

"As others have observed, nothing at this stage can bring Jill back to life."

He thanked the chief investigating officer, Hamish Campbell, calling him a first-class detective.

He also thanked Mr Farthing for his courage, Ms Dando's family for their friendship, colleagues at the BBC for their support and the press for treating him with dignity and respect.

Jill meant more to me, and others, than words can say

Jenny Higham

He added that strength and goodness had come from Ms Dando's death, with the establishment of the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science.

"It is time to remember Jill as not as the victim of a murder, but for her sunshine," he said.

Jill's friend Jenny Higham said: "Regardless of the outcome of the trial it cannot bring Jill back.

"Jill meant more to me, and others, than words can say.

"I would like to add my thanks to the whole of the investigating team for their work and the consideration they have shown us through out."