GORDON Park hung his head as jurors in the Lady In The Lake trial convicted him of the murder of his wife in 1976.

Handing down a 15 year sentence MR Justice McCombe said considerable suffering had been inflicted on Carol Park and before her body was dumped in Coniston Wate "Her eyes were taped and death caused by inhalation of blood, she had also tried to defend herself from the brutal blows. It is to my mind clear that the intention in your eyes was an intention to kill. Also I take into account the terrible concealment of the body which led to so much suffering being inflicted on so many people."

In the public gallery at Manchester Crown Court Park's third wife Jenny sobbed uncontrollably while Carol Park's brother Ivor Price fainted.

Afterwards Mr Price thanked police for finally giving his sister justice. He described his life as "a living hell" over the last seven years since Carol's body was recovered from Coniston by amateur divers in 1997. "The police force has done a wonderful job. Today is about one thing, justice for Carol and peace for my mother who died from a broken heart from all this lot.

"Gordon Park is an habitual liar that said he loved my sister yet destroyed her character in court. To say he is a human being is to say the wrong thing. I just think he is a very evil character."

Gordon Park's solicitor Mike Graham said: "Mr Park and his family are devastated by the verdict. He maintains his innocence and has the continued support of his family and friends."