THE family of murdered Kelly Pearce told how their lives have been “shattered” since she was savagely beaten and stabbed to death.

After a jury found Anthony Ayres guilty of murder yesterday, prosecutor Cairns Nelson read out a statement from Kelly’s mum Lynn Wallings.

She said: “On November 19 2015, Kelly was cowardly and brutally murdered at the hands of Anthony Ayres.

“On that day my life and that of her family was shattered forever.

“Since her death I have found it difficult to smile or laugh or live with any sense of happiness.

“Part of my heart and life was taken too when she died.”

She added that she has regular nightmares and suffers from anxiety.

Kelly, who lived in North Avenue, Canvey, also left behind her stepdad Richard, who brought her up since she was 15-years-old, her sister Lisa and only son Josh.

Ms Wallings added: “Kelly loved Josh dearly and always referred to him as her ‘pride and joy.’

“Kelly was such a colourful person. She was beautiful, kind and caring.

“She was so big hearted, always finding the time for others despite struggling with her own mental health issues.”

Around 350 people attended Kelly’s funeral, with a tribute on the flowers reading: “A bright light has gone out on Canvey now we have lost Kelly.”

Ms Wallings said: “I have not only lost a daughter but a friend and a soulmate.

“Kelly had mental health problems and her addictions and demons, but deep down she was a very loving human.”