The former deputy head teacher was found guilty of bludgeoning his 13-year-old foster daughter Billie-Jo to death with a tent peg at the family home in Hastings last year.

Bill Jenkins never doubted Sion Jenkins did it

As the foreman announced the verdict there were shouts of "yes" from the packed public gallery where Billie-Jo's natural father and mother Bill and Debbie Jenkins sat.

Mr Jenkins, 41, who is no relation to the defendant, left the court saying he had been sure that Sion Jenkins was guilty.

He said: "I never had any doubt in my mind. I don't feel anything for Sion Jenkins.

"The last 16 months I have been living in a daze, the daze has gone now. I've got no feelings for him."

Outside the court, members of the teenager's natural family embraced the police officers who had led the investigation.

Mr Jenkins said: "I'm just so happy, so happy to see faces with smiles on."

'Pointless waste'

After the verdict, the wife of Sion Jenkins spoke her horror at discovering that her husband was capable of murdering a child.

In a statement Lois Jenkins said: "Sixteen months ago I returned, with two of my children, from a quiet Saturday afternoon walk on the beach to a tragedy more horrific than any person ever expects to encounter in a lifetime.

"It is a terrible thing to realise that the man with whom you have lived for 14 years, the father of your children, is capable of murdering your child.

"There is no reason, no explanation for such a pointless waste of a young life.

"Now that the trial is over the girls and I need peace and quiet to come to terms with all that has happened."

'Moment of rage'

After the hearing, Detective Superintendent Jeremy Paine said: "The murder of Billie-Jo was a brutal act carried out in a moment of incomprehensible rage and violence.

"Not only did it tear away her life but it has had repercussions on the lives of many other people.

After the verdict was read out the judge lifted a contempt order banning reporting of a charge of obtaining pecuniary advantage by deception faced by Jenkins.

The charge, which alleged Jenkins lied about academic qualifications and teaching experience to gain his post at the William Parker Boys' School in Hastings, will remain on file.

A statement issued by East Sussex County Council said that Jenkins had lied on his application form for the post of deputy headmaster.

Billie-Jo went to live with the Jenkins family in 1992 after spending two years in a children's home

In a statement East Sussex County Council social services department said: "This has been a sad and tragic event."

Billie-Jo had been in the care of the London Borough of Newham during 1992 when arrangements were made for her to be fostered by Mr and Mrs Sion Jenkins.

Shortly afterwards, in August, 1992, the family moved away from London to Hastings.