Rancher guilty of oil exec murder

Eifion Roberts emigrated to Canada in the 1960s

A man who emigrated from Wales to work as a rancher in Canada has been convicted of the murder of an oil executive.

Eifion Wyn Roberts - who was known as Wayne - now faces a possible life sentence.

Convicted: Eifion Wyn Roberts

The 56-year-old emigrated from Anglesey to the Alberta area more than 30 years ago and set up the Eagle Ridge Ranch specialising in Welsh black cattle.

But in October 1998, he shot KB Resource oil company vice president Patrick Kent four times in the head.

The executive and several other oil industry people had gone to the property to check on a well site the rancher said was contaminated following a long-standing dispute.

Murder victim Patrick Kent

Roberts admitted shooting Patrick Kent twice but said it was an act of self-defence.

In Canada, a verdict of second degree murder carries a maximum life sentence.

The jury recommended that Roberts should not receive parole for at least 20 years.

Sentencing is due to take place next month.