The family of a young woman killed 34 years ago have spoken after depraved David Fuller finally admitted murder.

Today, Fuller pleaded guilty to the pre-meditated killings of Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, in 1987, in Tunbridge Wells.

Pam Knell, mother of Wendy Knell, shares her reaction to David Fuller's murder plea

Fuller, 67, of Heathfield, East Sussex, who changed his plea during his trial today, had admitted the killings but denied murder; claiming manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The mum of shop manager Wendy, Pam Knell, attended court today and spoke to about a dozen reporters and TV journalists after the revelation.

Appearing calm and composed, she was flanked by family and supporters as she left Maidstone Crown Court, using a walking stick.

A statement from the family, read by Det Supt Beasley, said: "For 34 years, we as a family, the police and press have been focussing on what actually happened to Wendy, wanting to know who did it and how she spent her last moments alive. We now know, and sadly it's much worse than we could ever have imagined.

"Hopefully we can now start to grieve and move past the pain, and start to remember her as the beautiful, kind, generous, caring, funny girl she was, who had a smile and kind word for everyone. A daughter, a sister, an auntie and good friend to many people."

Wendy's dad Bill died in 2017 after suffering with cancer. He had spoken of his wish to know who killed his daughter before his death.

The statement spoke about Bill's death, adding: "Although the time past has meant our dad is not here to share this moment, as we lost him four years ago.

"It broke his heart he never found out before he died. Yet he has been with us every step of the way until now, we're deeply sad he's not with us today.

"Although the guilty plea won't change anything deep down, as the pain and loss will always be there, it's good knowing he will not be in a position to hurt or cause any more pain, not just for our family but Caroline's family and friends who have been on this same journey with us and all the other families, his life has affected. We feel a deep sadness for you all.

"We want to thank the cold case team for coming through and all their support over the years, and especially since his arrest.

"We are so grateful to all our family and friends for the amount of support we have received. Thank you, Pam, Jane, Phil and the family."

Wendy was killed in Guildford Road bedsit by Fuller in June 1987, after an evening with her boyfriend.

Caroline was abducted by Fuller outside her flat where lived alone, and her body was found three weeks later in a ditch near Romney Marsh.

Fuller had beaten and strangled both of them, then had sex with their bodies afterwards, it was revealed in court.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, mum Pam Knell said: "I don't think much at the moment it was so quick, I don't really think it has sunk in yet.

After all these years it's hard to believe it's all suddenly happened. I'm sat there thinking 'did I hear right?'

Asked what her daughter was like, she said; "She was a funny person, you wouldn't know what she was going to do next to you, that sort of thing. She was fun and she used to do a lot and take me out.

"Today's been a very big surprise, we didn't expect it today."

She also paid tribute to the officers who had worked on the case, saying: "I'd like to say thank you very much for all they've done for us."

Speaking about the impact Wendy's death had on her, she said: "We've had grandchildren and great-grandchildren and it's nice to have that.

"Of course we missed hers. She would have loved to have had children. She was only 25."

Bill and Pam Knell had renewed calls for information to help the murder investigations, on the 25th and 30th anniversaries of their daughter’s death.

They spoke movingly about how her murder had impacted them and their relationship.

Mrs Knell said: "Just before it happened I turned 50 and they all said to me your life begins at 50. Then that happened and my life finished as I knew it then."

Mr Knell, who was gravely ill with cancer, said: “It affected our married life as well because from the day she was killed Pam couldn't bear me near her. If I put my arms around her she just goes 'don't do that”.

"So the only thing I could do was move to the other bedroom and I have been there ever since. She has got her bedroom and I have got mine, so I have not only lost a daughter, I have lost a wife and gained a sister."

Matthew Scott, Kent Police Crime Commissioner, said Wendy, Caroline and their families have got the justice they deserve.

He said: “Today, Wendy, Caroline and their families have got the justice they deserved. This man committed horrendous crimes when he killed these young women.

"They should have had full lives ahead of them, but these were tragically cut short.

"He then went on to commit some of the most heinous acts, abusing his position working in a hospital, to sexually assault people who have passed away, further impacting grieving families.

"To support those relatives, my team has worked with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that there are bespoke support services in place for them, as well as the family liaison already put in place.

"I pay tribute to the officers and staff involved in investigating this case to pursue justice, especially given the nature of the offences and material that they have had to process for this trial.

"And today, we remember Wendy and Caroline, who along with their families, remain in our thoughts.”

Fuller also pleaded guilty to sexually abusing the bodies of 100 dead women between 2008 and November 2020, in Kent and Sussex Hospital, and Tunbridge Wells Hospital, where he worked.

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells