Tributes have been paid to a much-missed Swindon woman two years on from her death.

Shannon Stanley was killed by her flatmate at a house in Small Heath on May 10, 2022. The 27-year-old grew up in Swindon and then moved to Birmingham.

The man responsible, Pablo Hoad, is currently serving a 17-year prison sentence after being found guilty of manslaughter this year.

Shannon's friend Chloe has been supporting the family during the lengthy court case that has taken up much of their time in the months following the loss of their loved one.

She said: "It's heartbreaking that we are at this anniversary already.

"It's been such a traumatic and overwhelming time, we miss her dearly.

"She was amazing, she had the biggest heart, she would have done anything for anyone.

"I think back to all the countless laughs we had, and the music - she loved music and laughing and being around her friends.

"We have lost our beautiful friend. She was a rare one, pure gold."

Swindon Advertiser: A friend of Shannon Stanley has paid tribute to her much-missed friend on the second anniversary of

A few days after Shannon died, her friends gathered in The Circle in Pinehurst to release balloons and lanterns in her memory.

People were encouraged to wear bright colours, which she loved, and share their memories of her.

At the time, her family said in a statement: "Shannon was a much-loved daughter, sister, niece, and cousin. She had many friends that also loved her dearly."

A fundraising page that was set up to help give Shannon a good send-off raised more than £1,400.

One friend wrote on it: "I spent many of my childhood years making the most funniest memories with you.

"If you were ever in need of someone to make you laugh, Shan would be the one you needed.

"You had a heart so big it could swallow the world and all you ever wanted to be was happy.

"A proper warrior in life and grateful for everything. I’m so sorry this happened to you."

Last year, Chloe told the Adver: " It does not get any easier but we want to keep her memory going.

"She is loved so much, she was so kind and had a heart of gold, she was such a lovely girl.

"There is no one on this planet that can replace her, it's a massive tragedy."