A martial arts expert has been found guilty of murdering his new girlfriend whose remains were found in bushland almost two years after she went missing.
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Sayle Kenneth Newson, of Buff Point on the NSW Central Coast, had denied murdering Carly McBride, 31, on September 30, 2014, at Muswellbrook or elsewhere.
Her remains were found in bushland at Owens Gap, about 17 kilometres northwest of Scone, on August 7, 2016.
After deliberating more than two weeks, a NSW Supreme Court jury in Newcastle on Thursday found the 43-year-old guilty of murder.
A post-mortem examination revealed Ms McBride suffered blunt force trauma to her face and back of her head, indicating she suffered at least two blows to the skull and one to her back.
The mother of two had met Newson at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre west of Wyong in late 2013, before beginning a relationship with him in early August 2014.
The Crown alleged Newson had been motivated by jealousy and possessiveness.
When interviewed by police before Ms McBride's remains had been found, Newson said she was the first woman he had loved in 14 years and he believed "Carly was given to me".
Newson told police he thought she was dead and "God had made this decision".
Justice Mark Ierace will sentence him at a later date.
Australian Associated Press
