Family's tribute to murdered Ben

Party night that ended in murder Untimely death of a model pupil

The family of murdered sixth-former Ben Bellamy have paid tribute to a "wonderful, caring, thoughtful and intelligent boy".

They said their "nightmare would continue" despite two Swansea teenagers being found guilty of his murder.

Ben, 17, from Sketty Park, Swansea, was robbed and killed last September.

Joel Taylor, 18, and Joshua Thomas, 16, were convicted of murder. Andrew Rafferty, 18, also from Swansea, was found guilty of manslaughter.

Thomas was also found guilty of robbery. His two co-defendants had admitted robbing Ben. Sentencing was adjourned while reports on the three are prepared.

Ben was attacked while walking home after a night out in Mumbles. He was beaten and left to drown in the sea.

Joel Taylor (left) and Joshua Thomas were convicted of murder

Ben's uncle Tony Rees gave a brief statement on behalf of the family after the verdicts.

The murdered sixth-former's parents, Tracy Gwynn and John Bellamy, were both present as the statement was read out.

Mr Rees said: "No matter what the final verdict is, the nightmare will continue for us, and we have to live with the pain and anger without Ben.

"Ben was wonderful, caring, thoughtful, and intelligent boy. He was the perfect son and brother, and we are so proud of him.

"A few words are not enough to express how much Ben meant to us, or how much we miss him."

They also expressed anger at the lack of remorse shown by the defendants or any explanation for their actions the night of Ben's death.

The family thanked police for their "thorough investigation" into Ben's "horrific murder".

They also praised the prosecution team who were "committed to bringing those responsible to justice".

Hugh Davies, the head teacher of Olchfa Comprehensive School where Ben was a pupil, said Monday's verdict gave "some sense of closure" but did nothing to address the "sense of loss felt by very many people".

Andrew Rafferty was found guilty of manslaughter

He said: "Many of our pupils are still traumatised by Ben's death, but we know that their loss is nothing compared to the daily grief and anguish suffered by Ben's family.

"We are grateful that those who killed Ben have been brought to justice.

"All we can now hope for is that Ben's family are given some space to begin to rebuild their shattered lives.

"This verdict is right and just, but it does not bring Ben back.

"As a school, we owe it to his memory to remember him and remember what was good about him as a role model for our own lives."

South Wales Police said 90 officers were involved in the murder investigation.

More than 400 hours of CCTV footage was viewed during the inquiry and 600 statements were taken.

The investigation began on 18 September 2005 when Ben's body was found, and his killers were charged five days later.