DURING the trial the court was read a statement by Miss Gilmore’s mother, Carol Gilmore, who is the legal guardian of Miss Gilmore’s child.

She said that her daughter had been taking drugs since the age of 15, including prescription medication, before her addiction progressed to heroin.

Her family tried desperately to get her off the drugs, but eventually gave up and disowned her because they could no longer cope with her stealing and lies.

But Miss Gilmore did stay in contact with her mother via text message and phone calls.

During 2010 Mrs Gilmore was aware her daughter was in a relationship with Gary Suller and knew the pair lived at his house in Cwmbran.

She said the TV actor did not fit her daughter’s usual profile of a partner and she was hopeful he would finally be able to get her off drugs.

The grandmother would often keep in touch with Mr Suller, who would send her updates via text message about how her daughter was doing, and he often complained Miss Gilmore had “ripped him off”.

But she said he did not seem to mind and seemed prepared to put up with anything from her daughter.

Mrs Gilmore felt sorry for him, she said, because he would sometimes tell her Miss Gilmore was back on the drugs or had got back with Bowyer.

She said: “Nothing he said surprised me about what she did. I think Gary was in love with my daughter, and although misguided, was trying to sort her out.

“I genuinely believe Katie was using him for his money and a place to stay.”

When Mrs Gilmore discovered a man and woman had been arrested in connection with Mr Suller’s death she said she knew straightaway it was her daughter.

A few days later Miss Gilmore called her mum and told her Bowyer had tricked his way into Mr Suller’s house, telling him she was in trouble.