CLIVE Wilcox's family spoke of their relief that his killer was finally behind bars.

In a statement they said: “We would like to express the relief we feel that justice has finally been done after a very long and distressing 12 years.

“Clive was a son, a father, a brother and an uncle. We all love him and miss him dearly.

“Clive was the funny man of the family, always joking and making us laugh. There was never a dull moment when Clive was around.

“We must not forget Clive's serious side. He served in Northern Ireland and also in the bomb disposal squad, so therefore helped to save many lives.

“We are sad that Clive's father John Wilcox, who sadly passed away, did not have the chance to see that justice has been done.

“Nothing can bring Clive back but maybe now we can find some kind of peace of mind.

“We would like to thank all our family, friends and the Police Liaison Officers for all your help and support over the years.”

POLICE INVESTIGATION

DORSET Police's investigation into the killing of Clive Wilcox was exhaustive and lengthy - with officers having taken 500 statements and spoken to 2,710 people.

Key hurdles were the many young witnesses who were too scared to come forward and the fact that the CCTV outside Winton's One-Stop was not working at the time.

DI Stewart Balmer, of Dorset's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Daniel Scott was always a suspect and he was circulated as wanted.

“We had our suspicions he had gone to ground in mainland Europe but we were not in a position to get him back. We were just waiting for an opportunity.

“We have always suspected he may have been going back and forward into the country but we didn't know by what means, what name he was using and whether he was using his passport or a fraudulent passport.”

Scott returned to England on June 13 this year having caught the Eurostar from Paris. He was stopped as part of a routine check by customs officials at St Pancras International Station following suspicions about his passport and fingerprint checks revealed he was wanted in connection with the murder of Clive Wilcox.

DI Balmer added: “We are pleased Daniel Scott pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. I hope this gives the family some resolution and closure after all these years.”

COMMUNITY IN SHOCK

CLIVE Wilcox's death shocked the Bournemouth community.

An emotional appeal for information was made by wife Angie, together with Clive's family, at a packed press conference and appeal posters were placed around the area.

The Daily Echo, local stores and crime fighting charity Crimestoppers also raised a substantial reward for information leading to the conviction of Clive's killer.

The Bournemouth community also helped to raise £20,000 to buy a bronchoscope for the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.