Man convicted of killing ex-lover

The 36-year-old was found dead at her home in Tredworth

A man who jumped naked from the window of a burning house where his ex-girlfriend's body lay has been convicted of her manslaughter.

Matthew Bayle, 24, was responsible for Louise Hall's death at her house in Nelson Street, Gloucester, on 17 August 2007, the jury decided.

The prosecution case at Bristol Crown Court said Bayle, of Leonard Road strangled Miss Hall, aged 36.

Bayle who suffered 15% burns in the fire, will be sentenced later.

'Lengthy investigation'

Miss Hall died after suffering a fractured larynx and bruising around her face, neck and chest.

Throughout the trial and in police interviews, Bayle had maintained he had no recollection of what happened after the pair had sex.

On Tuesday, the jury failed to reach a verdict on a charge of murder and instead ruled he was guilty of manslaughter. Bayle had been in a relationship with Miss Hall that ended around two months before her death.

It was claimed by the prosecution that he wanted her back.

After the verdict, Miss Hall's family said in a statement: "We would like to thank the fire service who tried to save Louise and the police for their lengthy investigation."