Why it matters: A two-year manhunt and investigation has ended with justice for the 57-year-old grandmother and her loved ones, after she was brutally attacked and killed while walking her dog in Brantham, Suffolk.
Roy Barclay, 56, of no fixed address, denied killing Anita Rose but a jury delivered its unanimous verdict after deliberating for just over two hours. He had previously been jailed for attacking an 82-year-old man in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex 10 years ago.
The details: Ms Rose was found on a track next to the London-Ipswich railway line with serious injuries, akin to those seen in high-speed motor accidents, on 24 July. Her dog Bruce had his lead wrapped around her leg.
On the day she was discovered, Ms Rose had been subjected to "numerous kicks, stamps and blows" to her face, head and body, according to prosecutors.
She died at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, four days later.
The emotional moment: Barclay was emotionless as the verdict was returned, but the BBC reported that Ms Rose's partner of 11 years, Richard Jones, broke down in tears when he left the courtroom.
Mr Jones previously told the court how the last time he spoke to her was on the morning of her murder. The lorry driver's final conversation with her ended with her saying: "OK babe, drive safe, I love you."
The evidence: Barclay's DNA had been discovered on her jacket and on the earbuds of her headphones. Prosecutors argued he also kept some of Ms Rose's belongings as trophies.
The investigation: Barclay had been seen on CCTV in the Brantham area on the morning of the attack, something he accepted.
However his defence questioned if it was of "real significance" when it was the area where he kept his clothing and possessions and somewhere that he visited regularly.
The trial heard he had been living in a makeshift camp in the area while "on the run" from police for two years.
What they’re saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: “Today has seen a violent man brought to justice.
“This was a brutal attack on a lone woman in an isolated, rural area on the outskirts of a peaceful village. We may never fully understand the motive behind it and our thoughts remain firmly with Anita’s family at the conclusion of this trial.
“I would like to thank them and the Brantham community for their support and patience throughout this investigation, and to all those who provided vital information that ultimately helped secure this conviction.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott said: “Following the conviction resulting from the trial of Roy Barclay for the murder of Anita Rose last summer, a voluntary partnership review will now be conducted under the MAPPA* process involving the police and the probation service.
“It will look closely at the information sharing processes and how the organisations collaborated in terms of Barclay who was wanted on recall to prison when he murdered Anita.
“This review will be a thorough assessment and scrutiny of the processes concerning Barclay. It will be expedited as soon as possible so we can provide clear and definitive answers for Anita’s family. Our thoughts remain with Anita’s family and friends as they reflect on the past year, and our force Family Liaison Officers will continue to remain in close dialogue with them as the review progresses.”
What's next: Barclay is due to be sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on 6 August. Addressing him, Judge Martyn Levett said: "You need to prepare yourself for a life sentence for the unnecessary killing of Anita Rose," reported the BBC.
