Jennifer Hudson wiped away tears on Tuesday as her former brother-in-law was given three life sentences for killing members of her family.

William Balfour shot the star's mother, brother and nephew in 2008.

Judge Charles Burns described him as possessing a soul "as barren as dark space" and a "heart of an arctic night".

Next to Jennifer in court was her sister Julia – the murderer's ex-wife and the mother of the youngest victim, seven-year-old Julian King.

In a statement to the court Chicago courtroom, the 31-year-old man said: "My deepest prayers goes out to Julian King.

"I loved him. I still love him. I'm innocent." 

The judge responded: "The fact that you can stand in court and tell us you love that child is an insult to all of us."

Photo: Getty