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NZPA
Man jailed for life over NZer's murder
New Zealander Cathy Marlow's sister Debbie rose to her feet in the Old Bailey court house in London today and screamed "Yes!" as American Matthew Fagan was sentenced to serve a minimum of 26 years in jail for killing Miss Marlow.
Miss Marlow's father, Bernie, and other members of her family flew over from New Zealand for the trial, the BBC reported. They were clearly pleased when the verdict was reached.
A 28-year-old finance manager, Miss Marlow was beaten over the head with a blunt instrument by Fagan when she caught him stealing computers. He then throttled her with a red scarf knitted by her mother.
She had gone into work on a Saturday to catch up after a holiday to Egypt. Her body was found in a shower cubicle at the offices of Research Now in Stockwell, south London, in January last year.
Fagan, 33, of Bermondsey, south east London, had admitted burglary but denied murder.
Fagan said he was desperate for money and facing bankruptcy, and struggled with Miss Marlow when she caught him stealing. He told the Old Bailey he helped tie her up but she was alive when he left her with an accomplice.
Richard Whittam QC, prosecuting, said: "It was her diligence going to work on that Saturday that cost Cathy Marlow her life."
The court was told the 28-year-old had arrived at the office at 9.15am and had arranged to meet a friend for lunch. At 1.30pm she spoke to her friend and said she would be leaving soon, but she never arrived.
The friend contacted Simon Edwards, who worked at Research Now. They found her body and immediately called the police.
