The former Worksop man - who has kept the same impassive expression throughout most of the trial - declined the chance to speak at the hearing at Middlesex Superior Court.

And as he was led out of the courtroom he threw a last smile to his family and mouthed something to his mother Yvonne, who sobbed throughout the proceedings.

For the final day of the case which has gripped two nations, Rachel's family and friends filled the court.

Her mother Priscilla and stepfather Joseph Matterazzo took the opportunity to give witness impact statements before the sentencing.
Priscilla, who has not spoken out since her witness testimony, said their dreams as parents and grandparents were shattered by Entwistle.

"For him to have tried to hide behind an act of murder, suicide, of this beautiful woman and perfect mother is low and despicable," she said.

"Suffering does not begin to describe what we have been enduring without our beloved Rachel and Lillian, who gave our lives such purpose and meaning. I have lost two generations of my family."

She added: "We were sentenced without the luxury of trial by jury."
Mr Matterazzo, told Neil: "You will face the ultimate judgement for your horrific deeds and betrayal."

Rachel's older brother Jerome Souza choked back tears as he read his statement. He was joined by five other family members as he spoke.

"Each and every day we have to live with the heartache of Neil's betrayal," he said.

"We cannot talk about what Lillian did in school, we cannot share her first word, we can't even remember watching her take her first step. We can only wonder how Lillian might have done something."

In sentencing, Judge Diane Kottmyer said the crimes were incomprehensible. She said that although it would be symbolic for Entwistle to be handed down two life sentences back to back she wanted the sentences to run concurrently because she was concerned it might send out a message that there was a possibility Entwistle would be released from prison at some point.

"It is a life sentence," she told Entwistle. "There is no possibility of release from prison."

Members of the Matterazzo family, some weeping, some wearing pink and white roses, filed out of court holding hands.

As the Entwistle family left, husband Cliff, a Bassetlaw councillor, comforted wife Yvonne.

On leaving the Woburn court, the family were then hounded by a pack of press and Russell Entwistle, Neil's younger brother, said: "My brother is innocent."

Ciff Entwistle said they would not answer any more questions.

Entwistle will now serve two sentences in the notorious Massachusetts Correctional Institute, Cedar Junction. This is the same place where the Boston Strangler was sent after he murdered 15 women with their own silk stockings.
He died when he was strangled by another prisoner in 1973.

Mr Elliot Weinstein, who defended Entwistle in the case, said outside Middlesex County Superior Court this morning that he is concerned for Entwistle's safety in prison.

"I am concerned for any client who is in prison because prisons are tough places to exist," he said. "So yes I am concerned, but no more than I would be for anyone else."

But he said the responsibility for Neil's welfare now rests with the state.

He also confirmed there would be an appeal, a process that is mandatory for first degree murder in Massachusetts.

"This investigation was held through 'Neil did it' filters," he said.
"Gun shot residue that can't be explained away imply by a verdict of guilty. That has to be explained away by her conduct," he said.