Ms Herbert said the late plea added to the victims’ distress as they had been anticipating a longer trial.
“It’s overwhelming,” she said.
“The anticipation of such a long trial, the very late guilty plea that came in and then preparing for the last two days knowing they were going to have to see CCTV footage or dashcam, actually showing the impact involving themselves has been incredibly distressing.”
Ms Herbert said it is “really important” to the families that the criminal side of their ordeal is over and they will be gathering together again in the New Year.
“There’s a lot of psychological support that’s ongoing and there’s lots of physical support that’s ongoing, but it has to be done at their pace,” she said.
“We’ll very much be taking the lead from them in terms of next steps.
“One of the most positive things that came out of yesterday is the sense that there is already a community building with the victims and I think that in itself is something that will be helping their recovery in the New Year.”