Jurors wept on hearing moving victim impact statements from murdered Joele Leotta's parents and his friend Alex Galbiati, who was also injured in the "brutal" attack, after three men were convicted today.

Mr Galbiati said in a victim statement: "When Joele and I came to England I wanted to learn English. Joele went to start a new life. He wanted to find work and accommodation, looking for new opportunities for his personal development.

"What I can't comprehend is the senseless nature of this attack. We were minding our own business when this happened so suddenly.

"When I went back to Italy I really struggled over the media attention initially. They were always following me everywhere. I also felt people's behaviour changed towards me, always looking at me in a sad way as if a reminder of what happened to Joele."

He added: "I have also suffered flashbacks of the attack which serve as a constant reminder to what happened.

"One of the hardest things for me is I won't be able to share my future experiences with Joele. We were so close. We talked to each other about everything.

"It has knocked my confidence. If asked to go on holiday, I feel something bad might happen. I think it will take some time to regain my confidence.

"As a result of this incident I have three scars on the left side of my face. One I take comfort in as Joele had one in exactly the same place from when he was a child.

"Looking into the future I know things must go on but in Joele's memory I try to live my life as he would. I know he is always with me in spirit, keeping me company even if he is not there."

Joele's parents Ivan and Patrizia said in their statement headed Remembering Joele's Smile: "We have very many thoughts inside our minds. It is difficult to express them in words. Perhaps there are no words to express how we really hurt and feel inside.

"What is left for us now? What is the meaning of life? What is the meaning of everything? We are lost. We don’t know any more who to trust. We don’t know the value of principles any more.

"We have always taught our children if you live your life working hard, sooner or later you will be rewarded. He who sows the seed will reap the reward."

"It is difficult to accept this is what we are left with and have to make do. The only thing we are sure of now is our daily visit to his grave..." - Joele Leotta's family

"Why did this happen to him? He didn't deserve something so ugly to happen to him. We have too many unanswered questions in our mind. Nobody will be able to give us answers.

"We cannot express it in words. It makes us powerless. It leaves us empty and lonely. Maybe one day we will accept we will never see him again.

"His brother's life has been affected forever. Every day when we open our eyes our thoughts are with him and when we fall asleep.

"It is difficult to accept this is what we are left with and have to make do. The only thing we are sure of now is our daily visit to his grave.

"So many people loved him - our little big boy. The memory of Joele is our strength. The memory of his voice which resounds in our ears. He used to say: 'Everything is cool. See you tomorrow.'

"That part of us has died forever. They say time heals but for us the longer the time, the bigger the sorrow."