ROB Knox's parents described the devastating effect his death has had on their lives in statements read out at the trial of his killer.

Mother Sally Knox said Rob had been planning a holiday with brother Jamie and friend Callum Turner on the evening he died.

She said: “They were so excited, they went out without saying goodbye.

“How I wish Robert had popped his head around the door to say goodbye.

“I really wish I could remember the last moment I spent with him, that last look, but this was cruelly taken away from me when he died. It's just a blur.

“If only I could turn back the clock, give him one more hug, take one more look at his face, tell him how much I love him."

At hospital, Mrs Knox said she feared the worst.

She said: “I will never forget the worst moment in my life when a police officer and a doctor walked into the family room and told us that Robert had died.

“The moment they walked in, I just knew.

“I wanted to die myself, I couldn't believe it.

“They were talking about my boy, a young man who hours earlier had been chatting and laughing in the kitchen before going out.

“All I could think about was just wanting to see Robert, kiss him, tell him he would be okay - I felt so guilty I wasn't there with him.”

Since her son’s death, Mrs Knox has spoken out about the dangers of knife crime.

She said: “As a mother and parent I can never forgive the person responsible for taking my son's Robert’s life, or the devastation that has been caused by these actions.”

Rob's dad Colin Knox paid tribute to his “loving, caring, thoughtful, generous and kind” son whose life was “taken in the most cruel way possible.”

He said: “The intensity of his absence is sometimes unbearable.

“Living my life without my son in it is like having a daily nightmare.

“Those people that have nightmares will wake up in the morning and say ‘Thank God it was only a nightmare’ and their life returns to normal.

“The opposite is my new way of life. I live my nightmare daily.

“I wake up to the fact that my son is not here on this earth for me to hug, kiss, laugh with, talk to, text or phone him.”

He said: “My children were and still are the meaning of my life.

“Every day since May 24, not a day goes by where I don't cry for my son. It could be at my desk in work, on a train, watching TV or even in bed.

“There are nights that I lay in bed for hours not being able to get to sleep. I talk to Rob every day.

“I know he is beside me right now. He has been with me ever since his death.”

Mr Knox said: “All the simple things in life that we take for granted are no longer in reach any more.

“My life has totally been ruined.

“When he was born and he came home to his first house, I took him in my arms and walked him into the garden.

“He was wrapped in a little blanket and I looked down at him and said ‘Robert, welcome into our life. I will love you and I will promise to take care of you and protect you.’ “I have done so for 18 years of my life and those 18 years were Rob's life.

“There is nothing worse than an offspring dying before their parents - but there is.

“When a life is taken by a violent act, then that is so very hard to accept.”

He said: “My feelings are with Jamie as he worshipped Robert.

“Ever since they were born they did most things together. That is something Jamie is no longer able to do.

“I am sure he has a massive hole in his life now that Rob is no longer with us.

“I miss him so much it breaks my heart. All I have are memories to remember him by.

He said: "Please God, take care of our Rob and Jamie too. Rob, I love you lots and lots.

“Sleep well my son. Rest in peace.”