John Sweeney has been convicted at the Old Bailey for the murder of Melissa Halstead in Amsterdam in 1990 and Paula Fields in London in 2000/01. Damaris Lakin, reviewing lawyer for CPS London, said:
"This has been a long running and disturbing case and the impact of John Sweeney’s crimes is far reaching, spanning two continents and more than two decades. Sweeney murdered Melissa Halstead and Paula Fields and disposed of their bodies in the most callous way and today a jury ensured he is held to account.
"The impact of these crimes on the family and friends of the two victims is impossible to quantify, but we hope this successful prosecution, will bring some comfort to them. The CPS would also like pay tribute to the courage of family members, who provided crucial assistance during the trial and investigation.
"This was a thorough three year investigation by a joint investigation team of police and prosecutors from Britain and the Netherlands, the first time this has happened in a murder trial. In addition, our Austrian counterparts provided crucial prosecution evidence relating to Sweeney’s time in Vienna with Melissa.
"I believe it is this strong spirit of international cooperation and our joint commitment to delivering justice regardless of the nature of the crime that has led to such a successful prosecution today."
Sweeney was also convicted for perverting the course of justice in relation to the disposal of the body of Paula Fields. He will be sentenced tomorrow.
