Guilty Stewart facing prison

MARTHA STEWART was convicted last night of obstructing justice and lying to the US government about a superbly-timed stock sale — a devastating verdict that probably means prison for the woman who epitomises meticulous homemaking and gracious living.

Stewart was found guilty of conspiracy, making false statements and obstruction of justice. The charges carry up to 20 years in prison sentencing is set for June 17 but she will most certainly get much less than that under federal sentencing guidelines.

Her former stockbroker, Peter Bacanovic, aged 41, was convicted of conspiracy, perjury, making a false statement and obstruction of justice, but was acquitted of making a false document.