Stephen Pinker’s family and friends last night paid tribute to the former soldier and father-of-two.

His fiancee Rebecca Holmes said Mr Pinker was also stepfather to her children Ryan, eight, and Tessa, four.

She said: “I met him four years ago. He was a really good guy. He was a brilliant bloke. He got on well with everyone. The kids loved him to bits.”

The 29-year-old, from Witney, said since the murder she had been forced to close down the property maintenance business she ran with Mr Pinker.

She said: “My whole life ever since that night has changed. We just went to see some friends late in the afternoon after we had finished work.

“We decided to have a couple of drinks before we came home. We went outside for a cigarette and that's when Philp stabbed him.

“I saw the whole thing. I was standing right by the railings. I hate Philp for what he has done. I want him to suffer the way we have suffered.

“Christopher Philp’s family have still got him in their lives, even though they might not be able to see him every day, but our family and Steve's children have lost him for life.

“Since it happened my confidence levels have gone. You look over your shoulder at everything because you never know what is going to happen.

“Whilst nothing can ever bring Steve back to me, the 14-year minimum sentence shows that justice has been done.”

Mr Pinker also left behind ex-wife Sharon, 43, and two children Emilie, 17, and Luke, 21, who live in Witney, as well as his parents Peter and Janet, from Dorset, sister Rebecca Vigilante, 41, also of Witney, and brother Matthew, 34, from Faringdon.

The family, who were all in court to watch the sentencing, said in a statement: “Stephen was murdered on March 25, his father’s birthday.

“This in the future will no longer be a celebration, it will always be the anniversary of his death.

“As for Luke and Emilie, their lives have been turned upside down. They love and miss him so much. He will never be there to share each milestone they endure.

“No amount of years in prison will ever compensate for Stephen’s life and the loss that we all have.

“This is one moment of madness we will all have to live with for the rest of our lives.”