The wife of a convicted killer jailed for life for a series of armed robberies has vowed to stand by her man.

Heroin addict Sean Donoher became one of Brighton and Hove's most wanted men as he threatened shop staff during a three-month reign of terror.

He was caught with the help of a £1,000 reward from The Argus.

But Becky Donoher, who married him in Lewes Prison in April and has two children by him, says he is a loving husband and father who feels tremendous guilt for the pain inflicted on his victims.

Having recently completed a masters degree in international criminal law at Sussex University, she intends to do everything she can to help him.

Mrs Donoher, 27, who lives with the couple's two children, Joshua, seven, and Harry, four, in Brighton, said: "I remained faithful to Sean during his last prison sentence and will do exactly the same this time around.

"Our wedding day was the best day of our lives. I have loved him for a long time and that seems to grow and deepen with each passing day."

Sussex Police imposed a news blackout on Donoher's previous manslaughter conviction for fear of causing panic during his robbery spree, which began at the end of last year.

He had stabbed to death a homeless busker outside a soup kitchen in St Leonards.

Mrs Donoher said she could not justify, excuse or belittle the nature of her husband's offences but wanted people to understand why he did what he did.

Mrs Donoher, who met her husband eight years ago, said: "I have come to understand how Sean is a product of his circumstances.

"He is loving, caring, intelligent, honest and a talented artist."

She described how he became addicted to heroin a few months after his release from prison in January last year, after serving a sentence for the busker's death.

He was an alcoholic and had previously attended a residential detox programme for two months.

Mrs Donoher said: "It was heartbreaking to watch Sean addicted to heroin. People don't understand the desperation an addict has to get their next fix."

She nursed Donoher when he tried to get off the drug but the need for heroin was too strong.

He left home and carried out five raids to get cash to feed his £50-a-day habit. He asked for a further four to be taken into consideration.

Donoher used knives and an imitation gun to threaten staff at off-licences in the city.

Mrs Donoher, who was at Lewes Crown Court as her husband was sentenced on Friday, said: "Sean made a genuine attempt at family life and did his best to tackle his addictions but he just couldn't cope.

"I was glad when the judge commented on Sean's co-operation and honesty when he was caught.

"I know Sean thinks about the victims of his crimes and feels a great deal of guilt and remorse for the terror he has caused them."

As for the effect on the couple's children, she said she was very honest with them and they visited their father in prison.

Mrs Donoher said: "Joshua and Harry do not know about the manslaughter conviction but I explained Sean went into shops and took things, which he is very sorry for.

"They adore him and Sean has always taken an active role in their lives. Even in prison he loves and encourages them as much as possible.

"We always knew he would get life but at least he will be eligible for parole in five-and-a- half years.

"He must use his time in prison in a positive way by acknowledging the consequences of his actions and tackling his heroin addiction.

"He hopes to go to Grendon Prison in Aylesbury, which has a more therapeutic approach. I strongly believe Sean still has a chance in life."