THREE people were today found guilty of killing a man who was beaten and left to drown in the River Thames, near Oxford, in May last year.

Terry McMaster, 24, Karen Fathers, 35, and Edward Doyle, 34, all from Alice Smith Square in Littlemore, Oxford, were found guilty of murdering Sean Miles.

Tracey Fathers, 35, also of Alice Smith Square, was cleared of both murder and manslaughter following the trial at Oxford Crown Court.

The court was told how Mr Miles was knifed in the head, battered with a golf club then taken to the River Thames.

He was thrown into the water before being poked with a branch to prevent him climbing out amid allegations he touched a four-year-old boy.

McMaster, Doyle and Karen Fathers were all jailed for life.

Judge Julian Hall said Doyle was the "prime mover" in the attack and should expect to spend a minimum 17 years behind bars.

Terry McMaster will not be considered for release for 15 years, while Karen Fathers is set for at least 14 years behind bars.