Strudwick admitted manslaughter but denied murder

David Strudwick, 56, raped and strangled Debbie Foster in a car park in Camborne, Cornwall, after leaving the town's White Hart pub with her.

Mrs Justice Heather Hallett told Plymouth Crown Court that Strudwick was a "highly dangerous man" who preyed on women.

Strudwick had admitted a charge of manslaughter but denied murder on the grounds that he drank 30 pints on the day of the killing and was not responsible for his actions.

But the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on the murder charge.

The judge asked for further psychiatric reports to be prepared, but said that a life sentence might mean just that for Strudwick.

Debbie Foster was found dead in a car park

The court heard Strudwick had been placed on the Sex Offenders Register on three occasions and had committed a string of violent offences against women.

Detective Sergeant John Quick said: " We're pleased with the jury's verdict in this case which clearly exposes David Strudwick as a dangerous and evil man.

"At the same time our thoughts are with Debbie Foster's family.

"They have lost a loving mother, grandmother and partner in such tragic circumstances and it is clear they will never forget this chapter in their lives."

Ms Foster, 38, had children aged between nine and 19 years.

Strudwick, formerly of Porthtowan near Redruth, was seen dancing with Ms Foster on the night of 8 November.

The jury heard a 999 call made by Strudwick after the killing in the Rosewarne car park in the early hours of 9 November in which he said: "I think I've just murdered somebody."

During the trial, the court heard Strudwick had been an alcoholic for many years.

Broken engagement

He stopped drinking during a 10-year marriage and while serving two prison sentences.

He started drinking again socially after his release from prison last July.

But after his fianc�e broke off their engagement in October, he was left homeless and started drinking heavily.

He had been known to sleep rough and the night before the killing stayed at the home of Ms Foster and her long-term partner, Ian Gallichan.

'Flipped out'

In a statement to police after his arrest, Strudwick - who did not give evidence at his trial - said he and Ms Foster had consensual sex, after which she threatened to tell her long-term partner.

He then "flipped out" and shook her but could not remember the killing, the statement said.

Geoffrey Mercer QC, defending, said Strudwick felt remorse for his crime.

"He expects many years in prison and his express instructions to us are that he deserves a life sentence, and that is rarely heard," he said.

Knifepoint rape

Strudwick, who was homeless at the time of the killing, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for attempted rape in 1974.

In 1986, he was sentenced to seven years in prison for robbery and wounding with intent after attacking a female shop assistant.

He was acquitted of rape in 1992.