HAYLEY MURDER TRIAL: THE senior police officer investigating the murder Hayley Richards' murder said the case was one of the most violent and shocking he has ever experienced.

Det Chief Supt Mike Veale said Quintas launched a terrifying and savage attack on his pregnant girlfriend and then told lie after lie about the murder. "His murderous slaying of Hayley Richards and her unborn child was cold-blooded in its planning, horrific in its execution and tragically it could not have been foreseen," he said.

"His subsequent behaviour was cruel in the extreme, devoid of emotion and remorse and shockingly calm. "Repeatedly he cut her with a knife as she fought for her life before delivering the fatal blows to her throat.

"Calmly, and clinically, he then launched a plan designed to conceal evidence and evade justice. It was a plan that was built on deceit.

"It was a plan that would deliberately cause even more anguish for Hayley's heartbroken family."

Det Chief Supt Veale said Quintas' decision to send letters to Miss Richards and her family denying his involvement and declaring his love for his girlfriend and unborn child was callous, calculating and despicable'.

He added the guilty verdict was a tribute to the hard work of his investigation team and their professionalism, dedication and attention to detail. He also paid tribute to the Crown Prosecution Service.

His final words after the guilty verdict was delivered were dedicated towards Miss Richards and her family. "My overriding thoughts are with Hayley's family as they have been since the devastating events of last summer," he said.

"I cannot begin to imagine the pain they feel, especially having listened to the litany of lies from Quintas during this trial. But throughout this nightmare they have shown great dignity, fortitude and courage as a family.

"I can only hope that today's verdict will help them to close this horrific chapter in their lives, knowing that in some way justice has been done. "And finally, my abiding thoughts are with Hayley herself a young vibrant woman in the prime of life and her unborn child, whose lives were so needlessly, cruelly and brutally destroyed."