THOSE involved in the language schools industry in Bournemouth say it is a great relief to see Jong-Ok Shin's killer finally brought to justice.

The student, known to friends as Oki, was stabbed three times in the back as she walked home following a night out in Bournemouth town centre.

She stood no chance in the unprovoked attack in Malmesbury Park Road, Charminster, on July 12, 2002.

Oki had just finished an English course at the Anglo European School of English in Bournemouth when she died.

On Monday (January 31) Omar Benguit, 32, of Linwood Road, Winton, was found guilty of murdering the 26-year-old and jailed for life.

He will face a minimum of 20 years in prison.

Mike Francis, chairman of the international education forum, who dealt with Oki's family when they travelled to Bournemouth for her funeral, spoke yesterday to the Daily Echo.

He said: "I was so, so happy when I heard. It's been such a long time and with two juries failing to reach a verdict I began to think what would happen if there was never a guilty verdict. What would they think in Korea? This result is really important. It's a great relief to us all."

Mr Francis, who is also vice chairman of Bournemouth Tourism Action Group, said: "Following her death most of the schools increased what they already did with regards to road safety and going out."

Just before Oki died the language schools and police launched Operation Columbus whereby certain shops and pubs support the scheme and can provide a safe haven for students who are feeling vulnerable. If they feel they are being followed or about to be attacked the establishments can contact the police on their behalf.

Mr Francis said: "After she was killed it showed how necessary it is to have such an operation in place. Even in a safe place like Bournemouth it is important for students to be aware of the things that can happen."

Brian Brownlee, Director of Anglo European School of English, said: "I am obviously pleased this is now at an end; it seemed it took a long time.

"We are delighted that his sad story has finally come to an end."

"We give sensible advice to our students. We were giving that advice before this happened. Oki was as far as I can understand just terribly unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

First published: February 2