Family of Julie Parkin pay tribute to 'beautiful girl' after husband jailed for her murder

As Adam Parkin begins a life sentence - ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years - for her brutal killing at their Sunderland home, Julie's family spoke of the "huge void" caused by her loss.

A family statement read: "This has been the hardest year of our lives. We still cannot comprehend what has happened or why Adam killed our beautiful girl.

Husband jailed for life over Julie Parkin murder"For us now, as a family we have to try and figure out how we move on from this. We have to be strong together for the children as they are our absolute priority now. We want to be able to continue the unconditional and devoted love and support Julie always had for them and always keep their Mam alive in all of our hearts and memories."We want to truly thank those who have supported us during this extremely difficult time. The police have kept us updated through every step of this investigation and their support has been invaluable to us. I also want to thank all our family, friends and particular the pupils and teachers at West Boldon Primary School for all their lovely messages and support, who have also suffered the loss of Julie. She was such a well loved person in the community and her death has left a huge void for all of us."

After the sentencing, DCI Lisa Theaker, of Northumbria Police, said: "Julie Parkin's family have shown tremendous courage and dignity throughout this investigation. I cannot even begin to imagine what they have been going through since Julie's life was so tragically and brutally cut short. "Outwardly Julie and Adam Parkin had what has been described as a happy marriage. However behind the scenes the marriage was characterised by what has come to be called coercive control with Adam Parkin controlling significant aspects of Julie’s life. "Coercive control tends to get worse with time and can escalate into violent abuse and, as with Julie, even murder. "Coercive control is itself against the law. Reports of controlling behaviour will be taken seriously by Northumbria Police and I encourage anyone experiencing such behaviour to seek help and support. "Adam Parkin has now been sentenced to a significant term of imprisonment. Whilst his guilty plea has spared Julie's family the additional pain of a trial, his violent, cowardly and senseless actions on the 26th of June will affect her children, family and friends for the rest of their lives." Anyone with any concerns about their own safety or the safety of someone else, please contact the police or Victims First Northumbria. Always call 999 in an emergency.