The mother of killed Bushey school girl Rebecca Thompson has said she faces “a life-time of loneliness” after the 11-year-old was strangled to death by her “controlling and manipulative bully of a father”.

Mary Thompson described the Sacred Heart Primary School pupil as “a loving and caring child” after her father Simon Thompson was sentenced to 20 years jail for her manslaughter today.

Rebecca was strangled to death in her home in Homefield Road in June after her father her taken her for a trip to London Zoo.

Mrs Thompson said: “Rebecca and I were so very close and enjoyed a wonderful relationship. Her father killed her in such cruel circumstances leaving me to find her dead - this has left me totally destroyed and devastated. 

“Rebecca was such a loving and caring child who adored animals and being with people.  I miss her so much. My life has become so empty without her.

“I had made plans for a new life with Rebecca but we had no chance to give that a try. It seems her controlling and manipulative bully of a father could not stand the thought of us moving on and being happy.

“Now I face a life-time of loneliness and only memories without my darling girl. The grief that fills me is hard to explain, it is like I have been forced to step out of one life into another which is full of pain, sadness and heartbreak.

“Like many young girls Rebecca liked fashion and music but now we will never go shopping together again or meet up with local friends for a coffee and a chat. I have no feeling towards my ex-husband and regard him with the contempt that he deserves.”

Soon after Rebecca was killed Mr Thompson was involved in a high-speed car crash and seriously injuried. He was arrested by officers from the Major Crime Unit when he was deemed medically fit and charged with murder.

The father initially denied the charge and was due to stand trial this week but changed his plea to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility today.

Following his sentencing, Detective Inspector John Arthur who led the investigation into Rebecca’s death said: “Simon Thompson has been professionally identified as a man who had psychiatric issues at the time. However his actions last summer were callous when he killed his daughter, his only child, leaving her mother distraught.

“There are no words of comfort in cases such as these, Rebecca had her whole life ahead of her and her chance for a future has been taken away by someone who was supposed keep her safe and protect her from the dangers in this world.

“On behalf of my team can I thank Rebecca’s mother and friends for the dignity and courage they have shown during what has been a very difficult time for them and hope that with time they can rebuild their lives.”