In 2011 Peter and Elizabeth Skelton had to do what no parent should ever have to do: they buried their daughter.

Since then, in their twilight years, they have spent every waking moment and thousands of pounds of their own money trying to bring her killer to justice.

Yesterday, as Robert Trigg was jailed for life, they told how they were ignored by every public body as they had begged for help.

In particular they criticised the police, describing their investigation as a disgrace.

The force has made all the usual noises with Assistant Chief Constable Laurence Taylor stating the case would be forwarded to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

He added that “it is really important for the police service to continue to review and learn”.

But how many times are we going to have to hear this?

Meaningful action must be taken to ensure this never happens again. The IPCC has a job on its hands as the investigation has to be thorough.

Not only must the the way the police investigated Trigg be probed but also the force’s handling of the family at what was a traumatic time.

The Skeltons told The Argus yesterday that they were ignored by police top brass including Chief Constable Giles York, to police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne.

Mr Skelton also claimed the family solicitor was charged for making contact with investigators.

Trigg may be behind bars but they – and the family of Trigg’s other victim Caroline Devlin – deserve answers.