This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-20812147

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Gary Hampson murder: Daniel Alexander found guilty Gary Hampson murder: Daniel Alexander jailed for life
(about 1 hour later)
A man accused of murdering an East Sussex businessman whose body was never discovered has been found guilty. A man found guilty of murdering an East Sussex businessman, whose body was never found, has been jailed for life.
Gary Hampson, 42, of Portslade, was reported missing in January 2011 after failing to turn up for an appointment.Gary Hampson, 42, of Portslade, was reported missing in January 2011 after failing to turn up for an appointment.
Daniel Alexander, 61, of no fixed address, was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice at the Hove Trial Centre. Daniel Alexander, 62, was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice. He was told he would serve a minimum of 30 years.
Sussex Police began a murder inquiry after Mr Hampson's blood was found at Kops Cars garage in Brighton.Sussex Police began a murder inquiry after Mr Hampson's blood was found at Kops Cars garage in Brighton.
During the seven-week trial at Hove Crown Court, jurors were told the garage was a front for a drug dealing operation and that Mr Hampson, originally from Liverpool, was in debt at the time of his death.
The court heard that Alexander, of no fixed address, anonymously tipped off Sussex Police a few days before the murder that Mr Hampson had drugs in his flat.
'Extremely difficult'
During the hunt for the body, officers searched in several areas of Sussex and Surrey, including sites near the A281 north of Cowfold near Horsham, Dunsfold, a stretch of the River Adur between Henfield and Cowfold, and a number of ponds.
Sussex Police said it was the first time the force had secured a conviction without the victim's body being found.
Following the verdicts, the mother of Mr Hampson's daughter, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said the last two years had been extremely difficult for his family and friends.
"I urge and plead for anyone who may have information as to where Gary's remains are located to come forward in order to help my daughter reach full closure," she said.
Three other people were also on trial at Lewes Crown Court in connection with Mr Hampson's death.Three other people were also on trial at Lewes Crown Court in connection with Mr Hampson's death.
Roy Bartup, 57, of Natal Road, Brighton, and Linda Rosenberg, 67, of Montpellier Road, Brighton were found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Roy Bartup, 57, of Natal Road, Brighton, and Alexander's partner, Linda Rosenberg, 67, of Montpellier Road, Brighton were found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Alan Topping, 48, of no fixed address, was found not guilty of the same charge. Bartup was jailed for eight years and Rosenberg for three years.
Sentencing is due to begin later at Lewes Crown Court sitting at the Hove Trial Centre. Det Chief Insp Jeff Riley said: "The three defendants showed no remorse throughout the trial and sought to blame others and mislead the court about the nature of Gary's death and disposal of his body."
During the trial, jurors were told that Mr Hampson, originally from Liverpool, was a supplier of drugs and was in debt at the time of his death. Alan Topping, 48, of no fixed address, was found not guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
The court also heard that Alexander anonymously tipped off Sussex Police a few days before the murder that Mr Hampson had drugs in his flat.
During the hunt for Mr Hampson, officers searched in several areas of Sussex and Surrey, including sites near the A281 north of Cowfold near Horsham, Dunsfold, a stretch of the River Adur between Henfield and Cowfold, and a number of ponds.