Castletown man guilty of murder

A forty-six-year-old Castletown man has been found guilty of murder.

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

Anderson's trial lasted five weeks.

Today (Friday, 17th April) the jury announced their unanimous verdict that he was guilty of murdering Mr Roberts.

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

Mr Roberts's body was found at Anderson's Castletown home which he shared with his wife, in the early hours of December 1st 2013.

Consultant pathologist William Lawler gave evidence at the trial, revealing Mr Roberts had 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 discussed how Anderson's wife and Mr Roberts were having an affair, and this resulted in cumulative provocation.

Mrs Jones also mentioned Anderson had been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder, which would've impaired his reaction to events on the night of the murder.

The 12 person jury, however, announced the verdict of murder outright.

The public gallery was full of friends and family of both Anderson and Mr Roberts who were visibly emotional in court when the verdict was read out.

Island police have issued a statement from Chief Inspector Phil Shimmin who said he hoped the verdict would be some comfort to the family of Mr Roberts. He also thanked the skilled prosecution, police team involved and the family of Mr Roberts in attendance, who showed dignity throughout the trial.

Deemster Alistair Montgomerie will sentence Anderson on Friday 24th April.