A POLICE inspector has been found guilty of the murder of his wife, whose body was discovered in a lake.

Darren McKie, aged 43, admitted the manslaughter of wife Leanne, aged 39, a detective constable, part way through his trial at Chester Crown Court but continued to deny her murder.

Her body was found in Poynton Lake, Cheshire, on September 29 last year.

The jury found him guilty of murder by a majority of 11 to one this afternoon after deliberating for nine hours and five minutes.

McKie, wearing a navy blue suit and tie, closed his eyes briefly as the verdict was read out.

Both his family and his wife's parents were in court for the verdict, along with a number of friends.

McKie's mother was in tears after the jury returned their verdict.

He will be sentenced on Tuesday.

In a statement, Mrs McKie's parents Ray and Ellen Dodd, said: "Justice has been served today. Our lives will never be the same again. There are no winners in this trial.

"We have lost our beautiful daughter and our grandchildren have lost their beloved mummy.

"We would like to thank our family and friends for their love and support they have given us through these tragic times. Also Leanne's friends and her colleagues from work for all their kind words.

"We cannot thank Cheshire Police enough for all their hard work and dedication.

"Last of all we would like to thank our two liaison officers for their professionalism and guidance through these past six months we are so grateful."

Senior crown prosecutor Rachael Barber said: "This case is a tragedy for everyone involved.

"Darren McKie went behind his wife's back to apply for loans in her name and when she confronted him, he murdered her.

"Having admitted killing his wife during the trial, McKie stated he had not intended to cause her really serious harm or take her life.

"The weight of evidence showed this to be another lie and the jury convicted him of murder.

"Leanne was clearly a wonderful mother, daughter, friend and colleague.

"His actions have deprived three children of their mother and our thoughts are with her family at this time."

Officer showed "no remorse" and "no regret" over wife's killing