The family of Elaine O’Hara has said they are “relieved that justice has been served”, following the guilty verdict in the trial of Graham Dwyer for the murder of Ms O’Hara in August, 2012.

A statement, released shortly after the verdict was read out in Court, said the family “hope that this case will highlight the need for people to be careful when communicating using the internet and social media.”

The family went on to thank An Garda Síochána, the prosecution team in the trial, Victim Support, family and friends for their help throughout the past two and a half years.

They finished by asking that the media “respect our need for privacy as we attempt to move on from this heartbreaking and distressing period.”

Statement from the O'Hara family in full:

"We are relieved that justice has been served for Elaine but we still suffer her loss and miss her greatly.

"We hope that this case will highlight the need for people to be careful when communicating using the internet and social media.

"We would like to thank An Garda Síochána for their sensitive and exemplary investigation. We would also like to thank the prosecution team, Garda Family Liaison officers, Victim Support at Court and extended family and friends for their support.

"This has been a difficult and traumatic two and a half years for the family and while we respect the role of the media in providing accurate and important information, we ask that you respect our need for privacy as we attempt to move on from this heartbreaking and distressing period.

"We will not be making any further comment at this time."

Image: Statement from the family of Elaine O'Hara