RELIEF swept over Leeton as word spread that the man who raped and murdered Stephanie Scott would never be released from prison.
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Mark Norvall, who created the Real Justice for Stephanie Scott Facebook page, was in court for Vincent Stanford’s sentencing.
Asked how he felt after Stanford’s life sentence was delivered, Mr Norvall said: “Relief, and we are happy that justice has been carried out today and the community can know he is never going to be on the streets again”.
Mr Norvall said he felt sickened by revelations Stanford had stalked three other Leeton females.
“He is obviously one very disturbed and sick individual who can never be released.”
Miss Scott’s mother, Merrilyn, spoke outside the court with her husband Robert beside her and Miss Scott’s fiance, Aaron Leeson-Woolley, behind.
“Stephanie would want us to resume our lives,” Mrs Scott said.
“We need to to be kind to ourselves and let the music and fun back in.
“We need to be able to fade from public view to mourn our beautiful girl and work through our grief.”
Griffith police commander, Superintendent Michael Rowan, earlier paid tribute to the families of Miss Scott and her fiance, Aaron Leeson-Woolley, who moments before stood behind Miss Scott’s mother, Merrilyn, as she delivered another touching tribute to her slain daughter.
“They are very resilient people,” Superintendent Rowan said.
He added his voice to the Scott family’s appeal for privacy now Stanford has been put away for life.
Superintendent Rowan also acknowledged his police who were involved in investigating the disappearance and murder of Stephanie Scott.
“It’s a testament to their abilities that we are here today with the result we have today,”
Superintendent Rowan said outside the Griffith courthouse after the sentencing.
“… It’s been a challenge for them, but not withstanding that they have been able to do that to the best of their abilities.”