THE family of a Cranage cattery owner who was brutally murdered by her secret lover have paid tribute to the ‘loving daughter and sister’.

David Ryan, 48, of Byrom Street, Hale, was today found guilty of murdering 54-year-old Diana Lee.

The jury in the trial, which lasted seven weeks, returned a unanimous guilty verdict at Chester Crown Court.

He will be sentenced tomorrow, Friday, at 10am.

The family of Diana have paid tribute to her.

The Sherwin family said: “Diana was a quiet and unassuming person.

“Nobody had a bad word to say about her. She was a loving daughter and sister. She had a wide circle of friends.

“She is sorely missed by everyone she knew. She has a left a hole in ours & many people’s lives.

“It is hard enough to deal with the death of a loved one through sickness, accident or old age but Diana’s death was planned.

“Every effort, calculated and brutal, was made by the perpetrator to try and ensure he could not be traced. David Ryan has only showed himself to be a coward. He has lied to try and explain away his barbaric crime.

“He feels no remorse or regret. His selfishness and indifference is no more than contempt for the life he has cruelly snubbed out and the family he has destroyed.

“Once the true gravity of what had happened last August was realised, seeking justice for Diana was the only option for us.

“We would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank the police and CPS, who have worked tirelessly to solve and secure a conviction for this hideous crime.

“Their support and commitment has been second to none.

“We would also like to thank our family and friends for their overwhelming support and understanding during the last 12 months.

“It has been greatly appreciated and we would not have survived this ordeal without them.

“We also ask that people should remember Diana for the person she was, and the smile that she always had for everyone.

“Lastly, we now ask that our privacy is respected and that we are allowed to grieve in peace.”