The family of a prostitute who was murdered and dumped in a lay-by in Gerrards Cross earlier this year had suffered with depression, her family has revealed, as they paid tribute to the ‘wonderful’ and ‘caring’ mother.

Anita Kapoor's family labelled her killer Navin Mohan a "sadistic, evil man" after he was convicted of killing the 34-year-old from Hayes, and dumping her body in a lay-by off the A413 on June 23 this year.

Relatives also said her lifestyle had been "exaggerated" in court.

Mohan, 35, from Southall, was found guilty of murder on December 7 and was sentenced to life in jail at Reading Crown Court this morning. 

A statement released today by Thames Valley Police on behalf of Anita’s family said she had brought ‘so much joy’ to their lives.

They said: “Family was important to her; she was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, niece and granddaughter.

“We would always turn to Anita because she was caring, giving and a good listener. She was also a natural with children and an inspirational mother to her daughter.”

Her family also told how Anita had a ‘wonderful childhood’ before finding love, getting married and having a ‘beautiful daughter’ but had suffered from depression.

They said: “When it took a hold of her it had devastating effects. However, Anita’s illness didn’t define her, she loved all the good things in life; she enjoyed her food, adored all types of music and loved to dance.

“This is how we will remember Anita, full of life and vigour.

“We think we are going to wake up and Anita will be there again, but then we pinch ourselves and we realise she’s gone forever.

“Celebrations such as birthdays, weddings and Christmas will never be the same without Anita. Life will never be the same without Anita.”

The family described how they have been living in a ‘real-life nightmare’ since they were told Anita had been murdered and say Anita’s lifestyle has been ‘exaggerated.’

They said: “We have found the whole process, the police investigation and the court proceedings, soul-destroying.

“Anita has not been portrayed in court as we know her, and we feel her lifestyle has been exaggerated.

“She suffered from depression and this had a serious detrimental effect on her life.”

Following today’s sentencing, the family added: “We fully agree with the jury’s decision to convict Navin Mohan of the murder of our beautiful Anita. But, however comforting it is to have justice for Anita, it doesn’t bring her back.

“This sadistic, evil man had the audacity to plead not guilty to Anita’s murder, even though the evidence was stacked against him.

“He made us sit through over two weeks of a harrowing trial, lying and showing no remorse. We have had to listen to details of how Anita was murdered – no-one can understand the impact this has had on us.

“Further, some of the evidence given at court has tainted the reputation of our wonderful Anita.

“We are now relieved to know that Mohan cannot hurt anyone else ever again.

“We hope that now the judicial proceedings are over, our privacy is respected so we can begin to grieve for Anita.”

Anita’s daughter also paid tribute to her ‘best friend’ in a heartbreaking statement.

She said: “She wasn't just my mother, she was truly my best friend and I was hers.

“No matter what her lifestyle may have been she always put me first, without a doubt.

“She was the most caring person, with the biggest heart. As my mother’s spirit runs freely, I believe a part of me runs with her also.

“Although it breaks my heart more than anything, she is now free of any pain.

“Rest in peace my beautiful queen. I love you.”