Kerry (left) and Emma Maguire paid tribute to their "shining star" mother as they attending court to see her accused killer in the dock
Kerry (left) and Emma Maguire paid tribute to their "shining star" mother as they attending court to see her accused killer in the dock Getty

The family of murdered teacher Ann Maguire paid tribute to their "shining star" as they attended court to see her accused killer in the dock.

Husband Donald Maguire and daughters Emma and Kerry said they were "devastated" by her death in class at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds.

They were at Leeds Youth Court to see a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, charged with murdering the 61-year-old, who was only weeks from retirement after spending four decades working at the school.

In a statement issued via West Yorkshire Police, Maguire's family said: "We will love you always.

"Our beautiful Ann, our shining light, she brightened the world for so many of us.

Don Magurie leaves Leeds Youth Court after seeing his wife's accused killer in the dock
Don Magurie leaves Leeds Youth Court after seeing his wife's accused killer in the dock Getty

"A loving wife, the best mother, a treasured sister, a true friend. This horrific happening has robbed us of all of this and so much more. We are devastated. Her selfless, genuine, caring nature will remain with us eternally.

"We are overwhelmed by the support, sympathy and kind tributes we have received, they have been a source of great comfort at this dark time."

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said: "We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge this youth with the murder of Ann Maguire and that it is in the public interest to do so."

Tributes have been paid to Maguire from around the world, including from the Vatican by Pope Francis.

The Vatican's ambassador Archbishop Antonio Mennini sent a letter of "sincere sympathy" on behalf of himself and the pontiff.

"I assure you of my prayers for the repose of the soul of Mrs Maguire and for the consolation and strengthening of all those persons close to her and all those who mourn her sudden death," Mennini said.