The man who murdered Greymouth woman Barbara Quinn last year has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Photo: 123RF
Barbara Ann Quinn, 41, was found dead in a car last December, after she had been reported missing.
Aaron Potts was arrested soon after and today appeared in the Greymouth High Court for sentencing.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kirsten Norton paid tribute to the courage of Quinn's family during what she said had been an "incredibly difficult time".
She also thanked the people of Greymouth for their support during the investigation, and said Quinn's death had impacted many.
"This has been an incredibly difficult time for Barb's family and I would like to pay tribute to their courage and strength over the past months.
"I would also like to thank the people of Greymouth for their support during the investigation," Norton said in a statement.
"Barb was a well known and loved member of the community, and there are many people who have felt the impact of her tragic death."
Quinn's family said in a statement issued by police that: "Barb was a beautiful person, inside and out. She touched the lives of so many people.
"Family was everything to Barb, her children were her world. Barb was an amazing mum and loved her children endlessly. There are just no words to explain how this has impacted her children, their lives changed forever with the loss of their mum.
"To lose Barb in circumstances like these was just unbelievable, and has left the biggest, gaping hole in so many lives. She will be missed forever by her family and friends. All we have now are our treasured memories of such a special person."
The family thanked everyone who helped.
Norton also acknowledged the dedication of the West Coast Police Team, for their hard work and determination to get justice for Quinn.
"Our thoughts remain with her family and friends as they continue to deal with their loss," she said.