Builder jailed for murdering his niece

A 44-year-old builder was jailed for life today for the kidnap and murder of his teenage niece in the UK.

A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court took more than seven hours to convict Stuart Campbell, of Grays, Essex, of killing 15-year-old Danielle Jones following an 11-week trial.

Following the verdict, it emerged that Campbell has a lengthy criminal record and had been given a prison sentence for holding a 14-year-old girl against her will in 1989.

Passing sentence, Judge Mr Justice McKinnon told Campbell: "You have been a blatantly deceitful and thoroughly dishonest smooth operator over many years."

He added: "You have done a truly terrible thing that has caused widespread horror and disgust. It seems to me you are a dangerous man."

Campbell, who was dressed in a sombre blue suit, showed no emotion as the verdict was returned.

He calmly picked up a file before being led out of the dock to begin his sentence.

Danielle’s parents Tony and Linda Jones hugged each other in the public gallery as the jury of seven women and five men returned the guilty verdicts.