A WOMAN has been found not guilty of murdering the man she was planning to marry.
Gary Anthony George has admitted murdering Andrew Mackenzie Nall by stabbing and beating him at his flat in Eversley Park, off Liverpool Road in Chester, last August.
Co-accused Christine Margaret Holleran, 50, who had been living with Mr Nall, was acquitted of his murder at Chester Crown Court shortly before 4pm on Friday.
After deliberating for nine hours and 57 minutes, the jury of eight women and four men cleared her of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.
The Recorder of Chester Judge Elgan Edwards had earlier told jurors he would accept a majority verdict.
Holleran shouted out ‘justice’ and ‘thank you‘ after the verdict was read out at the end of the three-week trial.
George, of no fixed abode, initially denied murder but changed his plea to guilty earlier this week when Judge Edwards dismissed the defences of diminished responsibility and lack of control offered on his behalf.
He is due to be sentenced on Monday.
Holleran accepted being at the flat on the night Mr Nall was murdered but denied playing any part in his killing.
Full report on the Leader on Monday.