The man convicted of the brutal murder of schoolgirl Claire Tiltman, in 1993, has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Mr Justice Sweeney sentenced 46-year-old Colin Ash-Smith to life in prison, serving a minimum of 21 years, at Inner London Crown Court today (December 12).

Ash-Smith refused to appear in the dock to hear his sentence.

Speaking in his absence, Mr Sweeney said: "You have been convicted of the  brutal murder of Claire Tiltman which you carried out in a dark alley just off the main London Road in Greenhithe on January 18 1993.

"You stabbed her nine times with a large knife and she died from her injuries at the scene."

Describing Claire, who died just four days after her 16th birthday as 'extremely popular with a wide circle of friends' Mr Sweeney added he had 'no doubt' the killing was premeditated.

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Claire Tiltman

He said: "I have no doubt this was planned and that you carried it out because of the feeling of power it gave you."

Ash-Smith has previously been convicted of two brutal knife attacks on women in the Greenhithe area in the years both before and after Claire's death and is now serving a total of four life sentences.

Paying tribute to the work of the police and Claire's family and friends Mr Sweeney said: "I would like to commend the officers who showed great pride and determination in bringing Claire's killer to justice."

Speaking outside the court, DSI Rob Vinson from Kent and Essex Serious Crime Unit said: "We now have justice for Claire.

"As Colin Ash-Smith starts a life sentence this is a period of reflection for Claire and and those who this has touched.

"It is a case that has meant so much to so many people.

"It's reflected the dedication the officers have shown over so many years to bring Claire's killer to justice.

"It has been a Herculean task."

Click here for all the reaction to yesterday's guilty verdict at Inner London Crown Court.

Click here for a timeline of how events unfolded after Claire's murder.