THE girlfriend of Scott Cooper — the 33-year-old who was brutally murdered in Ryde back in January — has paid tribute to a "fantastic, sensitive and compassionate person".
A trial held at the Isle of Wight Crown Court concluded last week.
The jury were unable to reach a verdict, meaning Jacqueline Barns has a longer wait to get closure on the death of her beloved boyfriend.
Last week, Adam Feest QC, prosecuting, said the intention was for the case to be re-tried.
The accused, Piers Brazier, is due to remain in custody for the time being.
Read more:
- Scott Cooper murder trial ends as Isle of Wight jury dismissed
- Scott Cooper Isle of Wight murder trial LIVE BLOG
Paying tribute to her boyfriend of two years following the trial, Jacqueline said: "Scott was a fantastic person.
"He was totally loved and adored by me, and the whole of Ryde.
"There were a lot of lies told.
"He was kind, sensitive, compassionate, and would do anything to help anyone.
"We met in the night shelter, and he came over to me and held my hand — it was an instant connection.
"He came to the Island from Derby and loved dogs and nature.
"He loved being outside and I would call him nature boy.
"We were together ever since and had so many blissful times.
"He loved to swim and we would go to the beach a lot, socialising and feeding the swans.
"We would also go on long walks.
"We were really happy and in love, and laughed all the time.
"He knew so many people, and everyone is heartbroken he was so savagely murdered.
"It was senseless, shocking and tragic.
"My world was Scott, and I have had the best two years of my life with him.
"I am blessed to have known him, and had his love for the last two years."
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