The family of a couple who were murdered by their youngest daughter, who then lived alongside the bodies for four years, have told of their devastation and heartbreak.

John and Lois McCullough, who had five daughters, were killed by 36-year-old Virginia McCullough who concealed their bodies within the home in Great Baddow, Essex.

She poisoned her father, then aged 70, with prescription medicine and the following day beat her 71-year-old mother with a hammer and fatally stabbed her in June 2019.

Her actions were not discovered until September last year after a GP who had not seen the couple for some time raised concerns.

McCullough was sentenced on Friday at Chelmsford Crown Court to life with a minimum term of 36 years, which she must serve before she can be considered for release.

Statements from three of the defendant’s siblings were read in court by prosecutor Lisa Wilding KC during the sentencing hearing.

One said that “our parents were completely blameless victims” and added that McCullough “deprived them of their retirement dream”.

Another said she felt “utterly sick to my core” and “Virginia always said mum and dad were fine and made up lie after lie about their daily activities”.

A third sibling said: “Their only mantra we lived by was that we, their children, are safe and happy.”

Addressing the defendant, the statement read by the barrister said: “You have left a hole in my heart forever and a piece of me died with them the moment you took them from us.”

Richard Butcher, Lois McCullough’s brother, described his niece – the defendant – as “very dangerous”.

He said: “I keep thinking why – I feel I have been manipulated over the years to think my sister was alive.”

He said he “couldn’t comprehend what has happened”.

In a joint statement released through police, the family of Mr and Mrs McCullough praised officers for their “tireless work in trying to achieve the best possible justice for our beloved parents”.

“Our Dad was caring and hardworking and he had a passion for education and writing,” they said.

“He worked tirelessly in his career in university education, which spanned many years.

“Dad enjoyed lots of hobbies, with particular favourites being golf and snooker.

“As we think of Dad, we remember the numerous jokes he used to tell us and the laughs he gave us.

“Our Mum was kind, caring and thoughtful.

“Mum delighted in her grandchildren.

“She had friends from around the world through her penfriend hobby, many of whom she had written to for several decades.

“Mum had a passion for history, and maintained a keen interest in the royal family.

“Mum and Dad loved their trips to the seaside together, where they enjoyed many walks and visited lots of different attractions.

“Their love for the seaside was so great, they were hoping to move to the coast in their retirement years.

“Mum and Dad always enjoyed the time they spent with us, family was their pride and joy.

“Our family has been left devastated and heartbroken at the deaths of our parents who were taken from us so cruelly.

“As we try to move forward with our lives, we will remember the happy times we enjoyed with them.

“Our Mum and Dad are forever in our hearts, and are loved and missed beyond any measure.

“We request privacy as we continue to grieve the loss of our dear parents.”