Moira was 'robbed of everything'

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Speaking outside the High Court in Glasgow Mrs Jones paid tribute to her 'precious' daughter

The mother of murdered businesswoman Moira Jones has said her daughter was robbed of everything she had to look forward to.

Bea Jones was speaking after Slovakian Marek Harcar was jailed for at least 25 years for raping and murdering Ms Jones in Queen's Park in Glasgow last May.

Speaking outside the High Court in Glasgow, she described Harcar as an "evil, depraved monster".

She said losing Moira had left the family "ragged with weeping wounds".

Beatrice Jones was joined by her husband, Hugh, as she made a statement on behalf of Moira's family and friends.

She said: "Moira knew how dearly she was loved. We had an exceptionally close relationship.

"And she would know the effect her death would have on us.

"As she battled in the dark with a monster, as she fought for her life, she would also have been fighting for ours."

Mrs Jones said it had taken a long time for the family to absorb the enormity of what happened.

Moira Jones with her boyfriend Paul Thomson

She added: "How could Moira, our lovely, fun-loving, full of life Moira, be a body in the park? We were totally stunned and everything was surreal.

"As the paralysis wore off, the pain increased. Our hearts have been gouged out, and we're left with ragged weeping wounds."

"Our precious girl had her life stolen from her in the most depraved way by an evil, depraved monster."

The businesswoman's mother said the family had set up a trust to help others who found themselves in similar situations.

She said: "We are desperate that Moira be remembered for the very wonderful person she was and not for how she died.

"We hope that in Moira's name we can help others by offering respite aid to those who might find themselves in a similar situation to ours.

In tears, she added: "Moira, darling, darling Moira we were so proud of you. We will always be so proud of you and we will do the best we can with our lives to make them worthy of you. You will live with us forever."