A FORMER Harrods security guard has been jailed for life for murdering a Thame man and his new lover last year.

Alex Marshall, 37, stabbed Richard Flippance, 44, to death alongside his ex-wife Fiona Marshall on April 2.

Marshall was sent down by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday who also convicted him of burning Mrs Marshall's house down in Brampton Ash, Northamptonshire, to cover up the evidence.

He has been told to serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars.

Mr Flippance, an engineer and photographer of Roundhead Drive, Thame, had been seeing Mrs Marshall, 41, for a month after meeting her on an internet dating site.

She was going through a divorce with Marshall at the time after their relationship had become "volatile and aggressive".

The new couple were spending the weekend together when they were brutally stabbed.

Marshall stalked his wife leading up to the double murder and was jailed on the one-year anniversary of the crime.

A statement issued by Mr Flippance's family afterwards said: "The last twelve months have been very difficult for us as we have struggled to come to terms with Richard's untimely death.

"We are relieved that the trial is over and that a conclusion has been reached.

"We would like to thank all those involved with the police investigation and, in particular, our family liaison officers who have been an unfailing source of support.

"Neither Richard nor Fiona deserved what happened to them and Fiona's family remain in our thoughts and prayers.Richard was a kind and gentle man whose memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

"Richard was always there for his family and friends and now he is no longer with us we hope that our wish for privacy will be respected."

For more see the Bucks Free Press on Friday.