A MAN has been found guilty of murdering Dorset millionaire Sir Richard Sutton and attempting to murder his mother.

Thomas Schreiber, of Gillingham, Dorset, was convicted at Winchester Crown Court today following a three-week trial.

Following four hours and 51 minutes of deliberations, the jury found him guilty of both charges by a majority of 11 to one.

The 35-year-old defendant carried out a knife attack on 83-year-old Sir Richard and the baronet’s partner Anne Schreiber at their Moorhill estate near Gillingham on the evening of April 7.

Police found Ms Schreiber bleeding out on the floor in the kitchen while hotelier Sir Richard was located dead upstairs when officers raided the home around two hours after the incident.

The defendant led police on a lengthy high-speed pursuit when he drove Sir Richard’s Range Rover along the A303 and M3.

He eventually came to a stop when a police car collided with him in Chiswick, west London.

Ms Schreiber, 66, remains in hospital eight months after the attack.

The judge, Mr Justice Garnham, told the defendant: “The only sentence I can pass is of life imprisonment but for the offence of murder I have to set the minimum number of years and I also have to sentence you for the attempted murder of your mother.”

Speaking to the jury, he added: “I am extremely grateful to you all for the evident care you have taken in this case, it’s been a difficult case to listen to.”

Thomas Schreiber will be sentenced for murder and attempted murder, as well as dangerous driving, which he admitted previously, at Winchester Crown Court on Monday afternoon.

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