Convicted murderer waits to hear sentence

A convicted murderer from Castletown will be sentenced next week.

Ian Anderson denied murdering 60-year-old Ballabeg man Neil Roberts, in late 2013.

The 12-person jury announced their unanimous decision Anderson was guilty of murder yesterday (FRI) at Douglas Courthouse.

The verdict comes after an intense five week trial.

Prosecutor Linda Watts said the extent of Mr Roberts's injuries proved it was clearly a case of murder.

The court heard Mr Roberts suffered extensive internal bleeding, 23 broken ribs, and almost every bone in his face was broken.

Dawn Jones, defending, argued a case for provocation and diminished responsibility.

She drew on Anderson's wife and Mr Roberts having an affair as cumulative provocation.

And she also discussed Anderson's emotionally unstable personality disorder, arguing he was mentally impaired at the time of the murder.

The jury however announced the verdict of murder outright.

Chief Inspector Phil Shimmin thanked all the police involved and said he hoped their was some comfort that justice had been served.

The deemster will announce Anderson's sentence on Friday, 24th April.