The killing of 60 year old Ballabeg man Neil Roberts was an 'extraordinarily violent act by an individual who has consistently tried to remove himself from any responsibility for his actions', police say.

Ian Anderson, 46, from Castletown was today found guilty of murdering Mr Roberts after a five week trial.

Senior invesigating officer in the case, Chief Inspector Phil Shimmin has paid tribute to Mr Roberts' family and praised those involved in the investigation.

Here is his statement in full: 'This is a time to remind ourselves that the killing of Neil Roberts was an extraordinarily violent act by an individual who has consistently tried to remove himself from any responsibility for his actions. The jury has ensured that Ian Anderson has today been made accountable for the murder of Mr Roberts.

'Throughout the trial, Anderson claimed that he is a caring and compassionate man. Caring, compassionate people simply do not do to others as Ian Anderson did to Neil Roberts. The level of injuries sustained by Neil Roberts provides ample evidence that Ian Anderson is not what he purports to be.

'I wish to recognise the dignity which has been demonstrated throughout this process by Neil Roberts' family, and particularly Neil’s daughter Lorraine, who has been present throughout the trial. It is she and the rest of Neil’s family who have to live with what has happened for the rest of their lives.

'I sincerely hope that today’s result brings them some comfort that justice has been served and that Neil’s killer has been held accountable for what he did.

'I’d like to recognise the skilled advocacy of the prosecutor in this case Mrs Linda Watts and for the support shown to me and my team throughout the court process.

'Finally, I’d like to thank all of the police officers involved in this investigation, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team officers who tried to save Neil Roberts’ life, to my investigation team who have worked tirelessly on this case. I’d particularly like to recognise the efforts of Detective Constable Emily Butler, whose commitment to this case has been exemplary.

'Murders thankfully remain a rare event in the Isle of Man, but the Island’s community should be reassured that they have caring police officers who possess the professionalism and skills to effectively deal with this type of serious investigation.'