TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Malvern St James pupil who was murdered in Lebanon after her killer was sentenced to death.

Rebecca Dykes was murdered in the country while working for the Department of International Development.

Her work had seen her helping Lebanon to cope with the influx of refugees from the war in neighbouring Syria.

Earlier this month, her murderer Tariq Houshieh was sentenced to death after the Uber driver confessed to murdering the 30 year-old in December 2017.

Miss Dykes' body was found by the roadside and she had been strangled with a rope.

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West Worcestershire's Conservative Party PPC Harriett Baldwin said: "I know from my time as a Minister in the Department of International Development how dearly loved Rebecca Dykes was by her colleagues.

"I hope this sentence brings some closure for her family.

"We should spare a thought for all the brave men and women who work in the aid sector helping some of the world’s most vulnerable people."

Miss Dykes was a student of Malvern St James until she left in 2005, a school spokesman said: "Rebecca’s legacy has been recognised as remarkable and inspiring to our current pupils, as someone who so often put the needs of others before her own and worked to create a better world.

"She was an exemplary pupil and will always be remembered fondly by staff and fellow students."

In cases of murder, Lebanese judges routinely call for death sentences, however the country has an unofficial moratorium and has not carried out an execution since 2004.

On Facebook, the British Embassy in Beirut said: "Rebecca “Becky” Dykes was a talented, devoted humanitarian, whose skill, expertise, and passion improved the lives of many people.

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"She was an impassioned advocate for those who most need support, a true friend of Lebanon, and an outstanding representative for the UK.

"She had an exciting, bright future ahead of her.

"Becky was also a hugely popular member of the British Embassy in Beirut.

"Her energy, smile, determination, kindness, and positivity are fondly remembered by all.

"The British Embassy hopes that for those close to Becky, the Court’s decision will provide a degree of closure.

"While we welcome the guilty verdict, the UK government continues to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances.

"Becky was much loved and is deeply missed. The Embassy would like to take this moment to express its deep and continued sympathy with Becky’s colleagues, friends, and above all, her family."

Since Miss Dykes' death, her family has set up the Rebecca Dykes foundation to support and fund projects such as community cohesion in Lebanon.

For more information about the Rebecca Dykes Foundation, go to www.rebeccadykesfoundation.com/