Family: They gathered in the cold last night and, for the first time in 17 years, they could genuinely say that their nightmare had ended.

Tobin interviewed at Fraserburgh police stationThey gathered in the cold last night and, for the first time in 17 years, they could genuinely say that their nightmare had ended.

Peter Tobin's 30-year sentence for the abduction, rape and murder of Vicky Hamilton had finally given them back their lives.

As Lord Emslie told Tobin of his punishment, a rush of loud sobs filled the court room.

"It's over," said Vicky's oldest sister, Sharon Brown, in disbelief as she and her youngest sister, Lindsay, clutched each other.

There were cries of "Yes" and "Rot in hell" from the public benches of the High Court in Dundee yesterday, and more than a few tears as the sensation of the result became real.

Unusually, it was not the normally outspoken Sharon who addressed the media outside court following the verdict. Ms Brown, 37, had been an eloquent and strong witness during the 21-day trial, but chose to hand the final duty to her youngest sister.

Lindsay, 23, was just six when Vicky disappeared and has grown up with a life full of police business, appeals for information, a very public school photograph of Vicky and her own fading memories.

She spoke yesterday of the hopes that the family would get the chance to be whole again, complete with the knowledge of what happened to Vicky, who vanished in 1991 without a trace.

"We are glad this 17-year nightmare has finally come to an end, there were many times when we thought this day wouldn't come.

"We are hoping we can now move on as a family and start to remember Vicky as the loving sister she was before she was so tragically and cruelly taken from us," said Lindsay.

She told reporters of the loss that Tobin, who has already been convicted of sex offences and murder, had inflicted on those closest to her sister.

"We were not only robbed of Vicky but of our mum, Janette, who died of a broken heart never knowing what happened to Vicky. We know that mum and Vicky are looking over us, giving us strength at this time."

Mrs Hamilton was only in her early 40s when she died in 1993. Although she was plagued by liver problems, relatives maintain she died of a broken heart.

Lindsay then spoke of another shared sadness - the one which connected the family of Vicky to those closest to Angelika Kluk, who Tobin also murdered, in 2006 in St Patrick's Church in Anderston, Glasgow.

"Our condolences go to the family of Angelika Kluk. They are in our thoughts today, as it was only after her death that we eventually found out what happened to our sister. We know only too well the hurt and grief they have gone through."

In her final words, Lindsay described her older sister as someone who was "more than a picture on a missing person's poster".

"Vicky was much more than a girl who was abducted and killed by a stranger. She was warm, clever and generous, with whom we shared many happy years. We will always remember her as she lived and not how she died."

Vicky's family is divided after years of feuds and bitterness and, at a separate press conference, her father, Michael, 58, gave his own short statement surrounded by his new wife and brothers, plus other members of his extended family.

He said: "I want to thank all concerned for bringing my daughter Vicky's murderer to justice. And I would also like to thank Solicitor General Mr Frank Mulholland and his team for all the hard work involved.

"Furthermore, I want to thank Lothian and Borders Police and CID for their hard work in finding my daughter, Vicky. I also want to thank everyone in Margate, Kent, and Edinburgh for providing evidence.

"Also, family and friends who have been there from day one, including Gary and Sandra from Spain and everyone who gave evidence and their patience. And finally, Lord Emslie for the use of his court, and the jury for their verdict."

Earlier in court, he had punched the air as Tobin's 30-year sentence was announced. He shouted at his daughter's murderer "goodbye from Vicky's father" as he was led to the cells.

Last night, Mr Hamilton was surely also saying goodbye to 17 years of hell.