'Janet can now rest in peace'

Janet Murgatroyd died after a night out in Preston with friends

The family of a promising law student who was killed seven years ago, say their daughter can now rest in peace after the conviction of her killer.

Andrew Greenwood was found guilty of killing Janet Murgatroyd following a murder retrial at Liverpool Crown Court.

The jury rejected the suggestion by Greenwood, 28, that he made up a confession he gave to police three years after her death.

Ms Murgatroyd's father David told BBC Radio Lancashire that justice had finally been done.

We can now draw a line under it and [Janet] can rest in peace, which she has not been able to do for the last seven years

David Murgatroyd

Seven-year mystery solved

"We are relieved and satisfied by the verdict and are delighted for our Janet," he said.

"We can now draw a line under it and she can rest in peace, which she has not been able to do for the last seven years."

Mr Murgatroyd also praised Lancashire police, saying they had "stuck to their guns" despite the previous trial, and had supported the family.

Ms Murgatroyd, 20, was attacked as she was walking home after a night out with friends in Preston in June 1996.

The prosecution had claimed Greenwood, from Lostock Hall, Lancashire, killed Ms Murgatroyd after she spurned his advances in a chance encounter and his confession was a largely true account of what happened.

His barrister Andrew Edis QC told the court the confession was false and may have resulted from Greenwood's depression.

Greenwood, who was cleared of murder but unanimously found guilty of manslaughter by the jury, will be sentenced in three weeks.