US star Stewart may face prison

US lifestyle guru Martha Stewart was convicted today by a New York court of obstructing justice and lying about a superbly timed shares 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, but she will most certainly get much less than that under sentencing guidelines.

Her ex-stockbroker, Peter Bacanovic, 41, was convicted on all but one count against him, making a false statement.

The jury of eight women and four men reached the verdicts on the third day of deliberations in the case.