MULTI millionaire property developer Peter Morgan has been found guilty of the ‘cold-blooded and calculated murder’ of 25 year old mother of one Georgina Symonds.

Businessman Peter Morgan, 54, was found guilty of murder by a jury at Newport Crown Court following a three-week trial.

Prosecutor William Hughes QC described the incident as "a cold-blooded and calculated murder”.

Morgan, who lived at Llanellen admitted strangling his former lover, but denied murder on grounds of diminished responsibility and loss of self-control.

After almost 17 hours of deliberation the the jury returned a unanimous verdict on Wednesday morningThe judge told them: “I am extremely grateful to you all.”After the verdict was delivered this morning Georgina’s mother Deborah Symonds said in a statement, “The death of my daughter Georgina has been a devastating tragedy for the whole of our family. Her beautiful daughter has been left without a mum. Georgina has left a hole in our lives that will never be repaired.

“All of our happy memories will be kept forever in our hearts.

“We respect the decision of the jury and whatever sentence is handed to Peter Morgan will never compensate for our loss.

“We would now like to be left to grieve as a family in privacy.

“The family would like to express our sincere thanks to Gwent Police who have been excellent throughout our ordeal.”

Morgan, a 54-year-old married father of two had been in a relationship with the mother of one for around three years, Newport Crown Court was told.

The couple met in May 2012 while Ms Symonds was working as an escort. They developed a relationship, with Morgan paying her between £7,000 and £10,000 a month.

He also showered her with gifts, such as a £12,000 car, as well as paying for her to have spa days, piano lessons and go horse riding.

Prosecutor William Hughes QC had told the jury her death was ‘pre-meditated and well planned’.

“After killing Georgina, he went to great lengths to move her and conceal her body and cover his own tracks for some time after the killing itself,” he said.

After the trial, Detective Superintendent Roger Fortey said, “This is a tragic case that resulted in the death of Georgina, the loss of a mother, daughter, sister and friend to many.

“The actions of Peter Morgan were calculated and he committed the act without emotion. Hopefully this conviction will bring some closure to the family in terms of the criminal justice process but we are in no doubt that Georgina’s family and friends will continue to mourn and grieve for the rest of their lives. Our condolences remain with those who have suffered her loss.”

Mr Justice Neil Garnham will sentence Morgan today at 2pm.