SHATTERED Maureen Doyle has finally got justice for her murdered daughter Elaine - almost 30 years after the schoolgirl was murdered.

Elaine's elderly mother has spent 28 years hoping that detectives would catch the monster who killed the 16-year-old.

Yesterday the frail 72-year-old watched as John Docherty, 50, was told he must spend at least 21 years in jail for the brutal murder.

Judge Lord Stewart told Docherty: "You were convicted of the murder, but you maintain your innocence. Elaine Doyle's naked body was found in a lane yards from her home. She was 16 and you were 21.

"The killing was a brutal one and has had a terrible effect on her family and given them years of uncertainty.

"Given that you continue to maintain your innocence, there is no explanation for this crime."

Donald Findlay, defending, said: "Mr Docherty is adamant he is the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

"He did not kill Elaine Doyle and he intends to fight it until he proves he has been the victim of a miscarriage of justice."

Despite being too frail to attend the 12-week trail, Maureen bravely walked into the High Court in Glasgow to see Docherty jailed for life.

For almost 30 years, the Doyle family had no idea Elaine's evil murderer was still living in Greenock, just a mile from where he killed her. The heartache of losing Elaine has taken a heavy toll on Maureen's health.

But yesterday, supported by her son, John, the grieving mother welcomed Docherty's life sentence.

A statement read: "Police Scotland and, more import-antly, the Doyle family are satisfied that justice has been done at court."

Almost two months ago, a jury found Docherty guilty by a majority verdict of the murder of jewellery assistant Elaine who was strangled as she walked home in 1986. She had been for a night out at the Celtic Club in the town's Laird Street and was found dead the next morning.

Maureen has previously spoken of the pain of her loss decades on.

However the DNA breakthrough in the case, which snared Docherty, came too late for Elaine's heartbroken father, Jack.

He died three days after a second tragedy hit the family when Elaine's nephew, Jack Doyle, 17, died after he was stabbed in Greenock in January 2012.

In a statement after the verdict, Elaine's mum, said: "The people of Inverclyde, who have lived this nightmare with us for the last 28 years, have always supported our family.

"The result doesn't make our day to day living easier - the pain doesn't go away. But, my son John and I take comfort that we now have justice for Elaine, which is all we, especially her dad Jack, campaigned for."

Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC said: "The sentence ends a long search for justice for the Doyle family. It deeply touched the people of Inverclyde and beyond who never let her memory fade.

"The support of the public to law enforcement was unwavering and has played a large part in bringing Elaine's murderer to justice."

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk