So-called 'prince of darkness’ guilty of killing heiress

Donald Graham, who was called a ‘greedy liar’ in court, tried to steal from Janet Brown (PA)

A fraudster dubbed a “greedy liar” and the “prince of darkness” during a murder trial has been convicted of killing an heiress and getting rid of her body, before attempting to rob her and her elderly parents of their assets.

Ferrari-driving Donald Graham, 60, from Sparty Lea, Northumberland, had admitted fraud at an earlier hearing at Newcastle Crown Court. He will be sentenced today for the murder of his former lover Janet Brown and perverting the course of justice – in a bid to steal hundreds of thousands of pounds to fund his passion for fast cars.

Ms Brown, from Hexham, Northumberland, who had worked as an extra on television and as a mystery shopper, has not been seen since 2005 when she “disappeared from the face of the Earth” just before she was due to go on holiday to France with Graham.

The jury were unable to reach a verdict on Elizabeth Todd, 51, from Seaton Delaval, who was accused of fraud, forgery and jointly accused of perverting the course of justice. Ms Todd, Graham’s former girlfriend, now faces a retrial.