FOLLOWING Graham Heaps’s conviction, Francesca Bimpson's father, Kieron, said: "There will never be a fitting justice for our baby.

“We were looking forward to Christmas but he set fire to the family home as we slept in our beds,.

“Francesca’s life was cruelly and prematurely taken by a coward .”

Asked about Heaps’s reaction when he was taken down, the father-of-four said: “I was conscious of how smug he looked. He seemed to be grinning.

“One million years wouldn’t be enough for him.

“He’s paying the penalty for his mistake of being a callous murderer.

“My abiding memory of Francesca is of an angel – beautiful, gorgeous, innocent, the best daughter you could ever wish to have.”

Mr Bimpson then said: "We would like to announce the start of the Francesca Bimpson Foundation.

“This charitable fund has been set up in Francesca's name, to eventually open a support centre for victims and families of serious crime in development with the Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Naylor, who led the investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with Francesca’s family at this time. I cannot imagine how they have suffered in the past 12 months. and I would like to thank them for the patience and dignity they have displayed throughout.

"Graham Heaps has lied during the investigation and throughout the trial to hide his guilt. He has never shown remorse for his actions or sympathy to the family whose lives he has devastated. I hope this brings justice for Francesca and her family.”