A man who was stabbed to death has been described as 'kind and gentle' after his lover's jealous husband was found guilty of murder.

Richard Flippance, 44, of Roundhead Drive in Thame, and lover Fiona Marshall, 41 - the stepsister of Carphone Warehouse tycoon David Ross - were both stabbed to death and the house they were in set on fire on April 2 last year.

They were just weeks into their relationship.

Mr Flippance's lover's estranged husband Alex Marshall, 37,was jailed for life on Monday after a jury at Birmingham Crown Court found him guilty of murder and arson. He must serve a minimum of 30 years.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Det Sgt Tom Manson said: "The last 12 months have been very difficult for us and we have struggled to come to terms with Richard's untimely death.

"Neither Richard nor Fiona deserved what happened to them. Fiona's family remain in our thoughts and prayers.

"Richard was a kind and gentle man whose memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him."

The four week trial heard Marshall, from Rushden in Northamptonshire, stabbed Mr Flippance three times and his estranged wife eight times in a house in Brampton Ash, Northamptonshire.

He then set fire to the property to cover his tracks, the jury was told.

Witnesses told the court how the bungalow - which was owned by multi-millionaire Mr Ross - was engulfed in flames after it had been doused in petrol and set ablaze at about 2.40am.

After the verdict Det Sgt Manson added: "Alex Marshall was a jealous husband. He stalked Fiona Marshall and simply couldn't accept that she had moved on.

"He searched her emails and when he found evidence that she was involved with someone else, his rage increased and I believe he travelled to Brampton Ash, saw Richard and Fiona, and murdered them both."

Mr Flippance had met Mrs Marshall a month before they were killed but she planned to divorce her estranged husband and move in with her new lover, the trial heard.

Mr Flippance's sister Rachel Woodage described her younger brother as witty and kind-hearted during his killer's trial.

She told the jury: "To me he was like the very best sort of friend - he was always there, but not any more."