A LARGE group of family and friends of Charmaine O'Donnell sobbed in court with relief as her killer received a guilty verdict.

The jury at the High Court in Glasgow convicted Jacob Foster, 29, of culpable homicide in the death of the 25-year-old in April last year.

Foster had denied murder and claimed diminished responsibility. The judge in the trial told jurors on Monday that a conviction for murder was no longer open to them.

The killer claimed it was a "bit of fun" when she shoved the charity worker off the pier on April 23, 2021.

Charmaine passed away due to severe neck injuries and drowning.

READ MORE: Jury convicts man of pushing woman to her death from Helensburgh Pier

An emotional statement was released by her mum Jacqueline Gallacher, 50, and step-dad William King, 54, afterwards as they insisted "justice had been served".

They added: "We believe the jury has reached the right verdict for our beautiful daughter Charmaine.

"The past 15 months have been the most difficult time we have ever had to face.

"Losing Charmaine has changed our lives forever. We will never be the same again.

"Our hearts have been broken. 

"She had her whole life ahead of her. She had a great personality and sense of humour warming the hearts of all who met her."

The parents also told how Charmaine had a talent for music and art.

They also thanked those involved in the case paying special tribute to the "selfless efforts" of the youngsters who tried to help Charmaine at the pier.

The statement concluded: "Although no punishment will ever bring Charmaine back, we hope and pray that a sufficient sentence is served on the person responsible for taking her life."