A MAN found guilty of murdering his identical twin has been sentenced to 13 years in jail.

Robert Cerqua was today told he faces 13 years behind bars ars after being convicted of murdering brother Christopher following an argument at their family home in Langdown Road, Hythe, on New Year's Eve last year.

He was found guilty of murder by a majority of 10-2 after the jury took nearly 16 hours to reach their verdict.

The court heard today how Robert has eight previous convictions for 17 offences since 2005.

Defending Cerqua, Patrick Upward said: "This is one of those rare cases where the fact there has been a trial in which before the court allows the court to form a picture of the background to this case, which in any view is a tragedy for all concerned.

"In some ways it is unique. It's not often that the family of the defendant and the family of the deceased are one and the same.

"What happened that night took place between 44 seconds after 9 o'clock and a few seconds past four minutes past 9 o'clock. That's 253 seconds. That brief incident has wrecked a family."