A LEADING Capel St Mary figure and former neighbour of Simon Hall's family says people feel safer now Joan Albert's killer is behind bars.Gerald White, parish council chairman, used to live next door to Hall's mother, Lynn, in Snowcroft, Capel, and remembers the time when she adopted Simon.

A LEADING Capel St Mary figure and former neighbour of Simon Hall's family says people feel safer now Joan Albert's killer is behind bars.

Gerald White, parish council chairman, used to live next door to Hall's mother, Lynn, in Snowcroft, Capel, and remembers the time when she adopted Simon.

Summing up the mood of the village after the verdict was reached at Norwich Crown Court on Friday, he said:

"I think people are relieved that someone has been convicted but they are obviously quite shocked at the involvement of someone who knew the family.

"It is a sad day, but in a way I think people are relieved that someone has been caught for the murder.

"If he was found not guilty it would still leave it wide open that someone is still around who committed the crime."

But Mr White was anxious that there would be no bad feeling towards Hall's adopted family.

"Lynn (Simon's mother) is so well known for the charity work etc she must be absolutely shattered.

"I think people in the village are feeling for the family.

"We can remember when they first adopted the boys, they were only about two. They (Simon's parents) were both thrilled to bits when the adoption came through."

"It is difficult for all of us.

"Not just as it was someone in the village, but someone so closely connected with the family.

"I hope there will be no recrimination. People do know Lynn, she is a lovely woman and at one time was the sole collector for the RSPCA in the village. I don't think there will be any.

"Lynn obviously must be very distressed. People are feeling for Joan Albert's family but at the same time there is also this connection with the two families. It is so sad.

"There are no winners," he added.