Tributes have been paid to a "loving and caring" mother after her killer was sentenced to life in prison.

Victoria Greenwood was murdered by Robert Brown, 38, of Hitchin Road, Luton in November last year, with her body found in a Hertfordshire car park.

Brown was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 20 years behind bar at Luton Crown Court yesterday (June 7).

Following the sentencing, Victoria's family paid tribute to her, with son Jack saying:  "It is important to remember that above all she was my mother. A carer, a best friend and someone I could rely on.

"We were always there for each other; I was there for her and she was always there for me. She was proud of all my achievements, from passing my driving test to getting into university, and she would cry tears of joy.

Robert Brown.Robert Brown. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

"She supported me, and above all she always encouraged me.

"She was at the point of her life where she was getting better, there was hope and she had made a genuine commitment to herself.

"She was my motivation, I was studying at university to help make a difference in our lives. I wanted a degree where I would be able to support her in some capacity.

"But now, he has stripped that future from me. Because of him I will never be able to celebrate my greatest achievements with my mother."

Victoria’s mother added to the tribute, saying: "She was a loving and caring girl who would always look after you.

"She protected her little sister, and she thought the world of her son Jack.

"Her friends really cared about her, and we all really miss her."