Marek Harcar has been found guilty by a unanimous verdict of 15-0, and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Moira Jones.

On sentencing Lord Bracadale made the following statement in court:

“On the basis of overwhelming evidence the jury have found you guilty of abduction, assault, rape, robbery and murder.

The death of Moira Jones, and the manner of it, was a devastating blow to her parents and family, caused great distress to her friends and colleagues, and shocked the nation.

Moira Jones was a hardworking woman, who, after a day of meetings and some socializing, made her way home after 11pm. Near her home she encountered you and her fate was sealed. You had consumed a large amount of alcohol and declared your intention of finding a woman. You abducted Moira Jones and took her into Queens Park. There, in a most disturbing way, you held her captive in a holly bush before taking her further into the park where you inflicted extensive injuries to her head and neck, raped and murdered her, leaving her half naked body lying in the bushes. You robbed her of her belongings, including her camera which you took with you when you fled the country. Your conduct that night reflects a level of wickedness very rarely encountered.

Murder: On charge 1 I sentence you, as I am required to do by law, to life imprisonment.

I am also required to order that you serve a period of years as a punishment part of your sentence.

You, and others, should understand that that does not mean that you will be released at the end of that period. It means that after that period has expired your case can be considered by the Parole Board and they will decide whether, and if so, when you might be released. In doing so they will have regard to the risk which you will pose to the public.

In selecting the punishment part of the sentence I have to have regard to the seriousness of the offence combined with the other offences on the indictment and any previous convictions.

The seriousness of this murder accompanied by abduction, rape and robbery must be reflected in a very long punishment part. I order that you serve a period of 25 years.

The sentence will be back dated to 18 June 2008.

On charge 3 the sentence will be 3 years imprisonment which will be concurrent with the life sentence.

I make a recommendation that after your release you should be deported.”