A jury in Christchurch, New Zealand has found 28-year-old Gavin Gosnell guilty of murdering gay teenager Hayden Miles.

There were cheers in the High Court and Miles’ mother burst into tears when the verdict was read out, TVNZ reports.

‘We want to remember Hayden for who he was, not what happened to him on that horrific night,’ said Jacqui Miles outside the court.

‘Hayden was a gentle, caring, funny and creative young boy. He loved his family, and his family loved him very much. We miss him every day.’

The 15-year-old’s body was founded hacked into twelve pieces in two graveyards. Foresic pathologist Dr Martin Sage told the jury that bleeding on the brain after a heavy beating was the most likely cause of death.

Miles was reported missing after going to visit his friend Nicolette Vaux-Philips on 22 August 2011 at the house she shared with Gosnell, her then partner, New Zealand Herald reports.

The trial began last Monday (8 April). Gosnell will be sentenced in June.

Responding to the verdict, a message on a Facebook page dedicated to remembering Miles, said:

‘We finally have Justice! Gavin Gosnell has been convicted of the Murder of Hayden Miles. I’m so glad that the trial is finally over and done with for his family. We told you that we’d get justice for you Hayden, and we got exactly that â™¥ R.I.P xx’