A CALCULATED man who performed a shotgun execution 26 years ago was sentenced to life imprisonment in a historic case of double jeopardy.

Andrew Everson, 54, was found guilty of one count of murder by a unanimous jury on Wednesday, April 3 at Reading Crown Court, following a four week trial.

The court heard how Everson lured David Watkins to a remote location in Searles Farm Lane, Pingewood and shot him in the back of the head on January, 14 1993.

At the time, Everson was arrested and charged with the murder, but was found not guilty and was acquitted.

However, a re-examination of forensic evidence showed the fibres on David’s clothes were found to match fibres recovered from Everson’s vehicle, a Peugeot 309 GTI.

Mr Everson denied being in the defendant's car hours before the death of Mr Watkins.

Brendan Kelly defending, said: "My Lord knows he continues to deny his role in it.

"We would resist the conclusion that this is a sadistic killing."

Upon his sentencing by Justice Andrew Nicol, to life imprisonment with a minimum of 27 years, Everson shouted to the court: "I didn't kill David, all I did was sell him some f*****g puff!" 

A statement from Susan Wardle was read out on behalf of the defence, which described Mr Watkins as 'always joking' and a 'caring man'.

She added: "David's legacy lives on through them [his children] and they have grown up to be amazing men.

"My whole life has changed, David loved his children and he should have been there.

"Murder changes people’s lives and devastates families."

Three jurors, two men and a woman, turned up to the trial to watch the sentencing of Everson.

Mr Watkins partner, Susan Wardle, wanted to be seated positioned in the court room to look at Everson to finally have justice after 26 years.

Mr Blake, prosecuting, revealed Everson had a history of 118 previous offences, many committed after he was acquitted of murdering Mr Watkins in 1993.

The year after the murder, he was convicted for two home burglaries and a further firearms offence in 1999 when he was found to have possessed ammunition when prohibited.

As well as this, there were repeated convictions for grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and harassment.

Head of Thames Valley Police’s Major crime review team, Peter Beirne, commented: "I am delighted that today the jury has found Everson guilty of murder, and finally, after 26 years, David’s family and friends have some sense of justice."