The family of Bermuda Regiment Sergeant Dejion Stange-Simmons spoke of their devastation and turmoil in the wake of his murder by Kenneth Leverock in victim impact statements that were read to the court.

His father, Andre Simmons, described his son as a “strong and well-rounded man”, while his mother Sandrine Stange described him as an “extraordinary son, brother and friend”.

During yesterday’s sentencing — that finished with Leverock being jailed for life — the court heard that Mr Stange-Simmons was just weeks away from travelling to England to pursue law studies.

Mr Simmons said: “My emotions are torn and shattered. Do I feel hate, anger? Yes I do. Yet in my heart I still have a sense of forgiveness that I will never forget.

“Not only was he my son, he was a brother, a nephew, a cousin and in most cases a father where I could not be to his brothers and sisters. He had plans for each of them.

“Not only did he mentor, but he supported their every endeavour. Now my family is left with the memory of what he could have been, all his dreams and aspirations have been stolen from us.”

Ms Stange described how she was still trying to come to terms with the prospect that she will never see her son again.

“I miss his voice so much,” she added. “I have nightmares and wake up with such panic to the point my chest feels like I can not breath. My heart hurts so much it feels like it can’t possibly beat any more.

“I am terrified to go to sleep due to my nightmares becoming my reality now. Thinking about Dejion’s last moments is pure torture. A parent should be able to ease their children’s suffering but I am left feeling helpless.”