DURING the trial, Berry's defence team questioned why Stephen Champ had not been taken more seriously as a suspect.

Alastair Webster QC, while stopping short of calling him the killer, said there were serious question marks of his involvement.

But today Detective Superintendent Ian Jones said Berry's conviction proved the police were right.

Mr Champ said he left Berry and Mrs Burton together at around 8pm on Sunday August 11, while Berry claimed she had left Mr Champ and Mrs Burton in the house.

Mr Jones added: "I would like to think we are professional and open minded in all investigations and this was a clear indication of that.

"Mr Champ was of great concern to us in the early days of the investigation. We very quickly identified that the team needed to prove his his whereabouts.

"Despite the difficulties, Mr Champ was subjected to full forensic examination, including all his clothing. Mr Champ was fully co-operative and compliant.

"They were witnesses that also showed where Mr Champ was that night.

"It was important to prove or disprove his involvement in the offence. I think that because of the sentence and consideration the jury has given the evidence, we have done our job."