Nicola Webb, mother of the murder victim Matthew Dunn, read out her own statement in court after the guilty verdict.
She said her son had been happy, thoughtful and in love with life. Now that life had been snatched away.
She said: "On January 24 this year Matthew was taken away from us by a cruel and evil man. Our lives were shattered and broken and as a family – we'll never be the same again.
"Having him taken from me is killing me. I feel that I can't live a normal life because I've lost my beautiful boy.
"Every day I want to give up on life, but deep down I know that I can't because I have to look out for my grandson. Every time I look into his eyes I see his dad Matthew, and I feel sadness for him, knowing he's lost the most important thing in his life, his dad.
"I have to deal with the pain my other children are feeling. I often feel that I can no longer cope with life but I know my family love me and need me to be strong.
"It's so hard to think I'll never be able to see, touch or talk to my son again. It's the most heart-breaking thing a mother can go through.
"Matthew didn't deserve to die in the way he did. James Burton has taken my son's life away and I'll never forgive him.
"I've had to listen to evidence in this court where James Burton showed no remorse for his actions. For him to then try and apologise I found insulting and sickening."
Mrs Webb said of Matthew: "All through his years of growing up I never had any problems with him. He was always happy and very thoughtful. He looked out for his younger brothers and sisters. He was everyone's rock. He loved life."
