A PRESTON man has been convicted of killing law student Janet Murgatroyd whose battered and naked body was found in the River Ribble seven years ago.

Following 15-and-a-half hours of deliberations over four days a Liverpool Crown Court jury have found Andrew Greenwood, 29, of Sephton Street, Lostock Hall, not guilty of murder but they convicted him of manslaughter.

Remanded in custody for three weeks to enable a psychiatric report to be prepared the judge, Mr Justice Holland, said that it was essential that he had reports before sentencing him but warned him it was highly likely to be a custodial sentence.

The jury of six women and five men convicted Greenwood by a majority decision of 10 to one. Greenwood, wearing a dark suit, white shirt and blue tie, looked pale, drawn and nervous as they returned their verdict.

After the case Janet's father, David Murgatroyd, a former chairman of Chorley Football Club, said: "I am obviously relieved and satisfied with the outcome. I am delighted for Janet so that she can now rest in peace after seven years."

He thanked the prosecution team, Lancashire police and his partner Christine and family for their support "throughout my ordeal. I am pleased it is all over and done with."

The trial was a re-trail as an earlier jury was unable to reach a verdict last October and Mr Murgatroyd attended virtually every day of the two trials which he described as "an ordeal."

Acting Detective Superintendent Ian Kennedy said: "I am very pleased with the jury's verdict. It has been a very long inquiry and it is very pleasing to get a successful result. I hope Janet's family can be left in peace now to get on with their lives."