Roy Whiting, 42, was today found guilty of the abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne.
There were cheers of delight as the verdicts were read out by the foreman at Lewes Crown Court.
The jury of nine men and three women had been deliberating for nine hours and reached their verdicts unanimously.
Whiting was sentenced to life with a recommendation by trial judge Mr Justice Richard Curtis that he never be released.
The judge said: "You are indeed an evil man. You are in no way mentally unwell. I have seen you for a month and in my view you are a glib and cunning liar."
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