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Convicted

Fiancé of author Helen Bailey found guilty of murdering her and hiding body for 3 months

The court heard that he drugged Helen before killing her and hiding her body, he then sent her text messages and emails in a bid to cover his tracks.

THE PARTNER OF British children’s author Helen Bailey has been convicted of murder.

The court heard that Ian Stewart drugged and suffocated his fiancée before hiding her body in a cesspit.

The 56-year-old was convicted of killing children’s author Helen Bailey following a six-week trial at St Albans Crown Court.

The court heard how Stewart drugged Helen using sleeping tablets and then, after killing her and hiding her body, sent her text messages and emails in a bid to cover his tracks.

Helen’s body was discovered under the home she shared with Stewart in Royston, Hertfordshire, on 15 July 2016 – three months after her death.

Helen Bailey murder PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

Charles White, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

Ian Stewart murdered Helen Bailey and then conducted a cynical, deceitful and calculated charade as he watched the police conduct a futile missing person investigation.

“The prosecution presented a case to the jury which clearly showed how Stewart was linked to Helen’s disappearance through mobile phone, computer and CCTV evidence.

“Our thoughts are with Helen’s family and friends, who have been devastated by her death. I hope today’s conviction reassures them that justice has been done.”

Stewart will be sentenced at a later date.

Comments have been disabled as the case is still before the courts for sentencing.

Read: Partner charged with murder of missing author Helen Bailey>