A Hampshire mother is facing a life sentence after being convicted of murder.

Ginette Crutcher (36) cried out: "I didn't do it!" and sobbed uncontrollably as jurors at Winchester Crown Court found her guilty of killing 44-year-old Jeffrey Rostigina during a brutal attack.

A 17-year-old youth was also convicted of murder, while a 15-year-old was cleared of murder and two charges of violent disorder. Neither can be named for legal reasons. The jury of eight men and four women were unanimous in their verdicts.

Jurors have still to return verdicts on Gavin Gore (25), of Vaudrey Close, Shirley, Southampton and a 14-year-old from Southampton, who also cannot be named. Each denies murder and one count of violent disorder.

The jurors heard that Crutcher, of Howe Close, New Milton, entered the home of her neighbour, Mr Rostigina, on January 9th last year. The father of six had been listening to country and western music in his front room.

Crutcher grabbed Mr Rostigina's arm before he was kicked in the back and attacked by weapons by other members of the gang.

He was able to leave the house despite his injuries and sought safety at his daughter Cindy's nearby flat. But he was chased by Crutcher and attacked again in what the prosecution described as a "continuing attack on an injured man".

Mr Rostigina was pronounced dead in hospital the following day. He had received 11 injuries to his face and neck, including two severe fractures to his skull.

Crutcher, who maintained her innocence throughout the two-month trial, told jurors she could not have attacked her victim because she was petrified of blood. "If I saw a man covered in blood, I wouldn't attack a man who was seriously injured like that. I don't like blood. I can't go near blood."

Jurors are continuing their deliberations on the remaining two accused.