Ross McCullam has today been convicted of the murder of Meghan Newborough
A ‘sadistic’ lab technician who killed a colleague in a ‘blind rage’ is facing life behind bars after being convicted of murder.
Ross McCullam, 30, killed Megan Newborough at his parents’ home in Coalville, Leicestershire, before dumping her body in a country lane.
McCullam admitted manslaughter but denied murder, claiming he suffered a ‘loss of control’ which he blamed on his victim.
He said he went into a ‘blind rage’ triggered by undiagnosed PTSD as a result of unreported childhood sexual abuse.
But he failed to convince jurors at Leicester Crown Court who unanimously convicted him of murder after deliberating for around 90 minutes.
McCullam simply nodded as the verdict was delivered.
Ms Newborough, 23, was fatally wounded on August 6 after McCullam throttled her then cut her throat, the court heard.
The lab technician claimed he was triggered by memories of abuse during oral sex – but prosecutor John Cammegh KC, branded his account a ‘pack of lies’.
Mr Cammegh suggested McCullam lost his temper after being ‘humiliated by impotence’ – which the defendant refuted.
After disposing of the HR worker’s body, McCullam sent a text to her phone asking if she had arrived home safely in an attempt to cover his crime.
One message said: ‘You are amazing’, along with kisses and a smiling emoji.
He later sent a voice message, knowing she was by then dead, saying: ‘I had a fun time earlier’.
In the hours that followed, McCullam watch pornography for 17 minutes – part of his one-hour daily habit, the court heard.
The lab worker’s mother, father and sister, who were present during the six-week trial, were seen hugging each other and crying as the verdict was returned.
He will be sentenced at the court on Friday.
Judge Philip Head said the jurors would be excused from further service for life after trying the harrowing case.
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Ross McCullam killed Megan Newborough ‘in a blind rage’ at his parents’ home before dumping her body.
