MURDER victim Kathryn Linaker's parents and her twin sister opened their hearts after her murderer was caged - and disclosed they harboured no hatred towards her killer.

Paying an emotional tribute to the 33-year-old deputy headteacher, mum and dad Sheila and Kenneth Pearson and sister Fiona Gent were at a loss to understand her death.

The family were present for every day of the murder trial so they could come to terms, perhaps even understand, the circumstances surrounding her tragic murder.

Retired development engineer Kenneth, detailing their attitudes towards convicted killer Jennifer Cupit, said: "We certainly do not feel anger or hatred - we simply cannot relate to someone who behaves in this manner."

The 65-year-old remembered how following Kathryn's death pupils at her school, St James's CE Primary in Haydock, sent letters of condolence.

Describing the letters, he added: "It would come out she was always smiling, always happy, always prepared to play little games with them. She was just that sort of person."

In the years to come Kenneth and Sheila face the unenvious task of telling Kathryn's children, three year-old Matthew and baby Holly, about their mother's fate. But they will have plenty of fond memories to relate.

Explained Sheila: "We will tell them about their mum's childhood, the scrapes she got into, about her love of children, about her love of teaching and of course about how much she loved them."

Little Matthew was a delight, sharing his mother's love of books, according to Sheila, enjoying trips to the library.

Baby Holly was christened at Prescot Methodist Church just five days before her mum's senseless death. The family struggle to understand how Kathryn's joy could have been destroyed so swiftly.

The grandparents hope their mother's sense of fun and contentment would shine through for the youngsters.

Dad Kenneth also recalled the bond between his twin daughters, who would send identical Christmas and birthday presents out.

"There was a sort of link between them," he added.

Chartered accountant Fiona, who lives in Surrey, still had to remind herself her sister was no longer with them.

She said: "Kathryn and I were best friends. We were so close and shared so many things. She just understood the way I felt. I did not need to tell her - she just knew.

"She was just one of those people who could relate to adults and children. She was a beautiful woman and a loving person and I now she will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew her."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.