In a statement, read outside the Old Bailey by his mother Sheri, they said: "In a free and democratic society, Jody’s murder was an outrage.

"It was a political act. It was an act of terrorism. Jody was not the first man to be killed, or terrorised, or beaten or humiliated for being homosexual - or for being perceived to be homosexual. "Tragically, he will not be the last man to suffer the consequences of homophobia which is endemic in this society.

"This is unacceptable. We cannot accept this. No intelligent, healthy or reasonable society could.

"But this is not just a tale to be told by two homophobic idiots - ‘Full of sound and fury signifying nothing’.

"This is also a tale of unsung heroes, whom we would like to acknowledge and applaud. We send love and gratitude to: the witnesses for their courage in speaking out and enabling the police to track and arrest Jody’s murderers and for allowing Jody the dignity of dying in caring hands; the paramedics and staff of St Georges Hospital, Tooting, for their caring hands and compassion on the front line.

"Detective Chief Inspector Scola, our liaison officer Det Con Chesmur, and all the officers of Murder Investigation Team 7, Sutton, who despite their success, professionalism and integrity have, sadly, been disbanded;

"Judge Barker, Prosecution Counsel Mr Hilliard and Mr Aylett, CPS Prosecutor Mr Goddard, and the defence team for ensuring justice was served and for protecting future victims; Victim Support - for their charity.

"Ours and Jody’s family, friends and work colleagues for helping us to carry our grief; the hundreds of young people who knew and loved Jody - for their strength in suppressing their rage and for continuing to create a diverse, dynamic and imaginative society in which we all can thrive.

"And we would like to pay tribute to Jody Dobrowski for his strength in the face of cowardice. For struggling to become who he was - an intelligent, funny, hardworking and beautiful man, whose life was brutally and mercilessly punched and kicked from him. Who fought for some hours to stay with us. And whose big dancing feet left behind such gentle footprints on this earth."

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