WILLIAMS VERDICT: WIFE-KILLER Randle Williams continues to protest his innocence despite being caged for life for the murder of pretty cosmetics worker Natalie.

Judge Brian Keith told the killer he "cruelly" took the life of a "lively and attractive young woman" and said because of Williams' refusal to accept his actions, the truth about Natalie's violent death may never be known.

There were audible gasps of shock from the family of Randle Williams as the jury of seven women and four men found the businessman guilty of murder at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday.

Williams' white-haired mother Audrey broke down in tears while his father Archibald and brothers Steven and Derek looked shell-shocked.

From Randle himself there was little reaction a shrug of the shoulders, a stroking of the neatly trimmed moustache and a quick wave and kiss to his parents as a security guard led him from the dock to begin a life sentence. Just moments before, Williams had been laughing with solicitors.

It was a far cry from the arrogance seen almost daily, as Williams waltzed into the courtroom with a distinctive air of unfaltering confidence.

Days before the verdict Mrs Williams said she was sure of her son's innocence. She said: "I don't know how they can bring back a verdict of manslaughter or murder because he didn't do it.

"We are adamant he is not guilty. I know some of it looked bad but we know he didn't do it."

Outside the court buildings the message from Williams' solicitor Tony Miles echoed the family line.

"Randle Williams maintains his innocence," he said.

"It is a tragedy for two families. They wish to express their deepest sympathies to Mr and Mrs Hussey and their family."

Judge Brian Keith said the truth about what happened to Natalie Williams on the night of April 22, 2002 might never be known, with the cosmetics buyer taking the secrets of her last moments to the grave.

He said: "Why you killed her and what led up to it we shall never know.

"Natalie knew but she has taken her knowledge of it to her grave. You also know but since you have not been able to bring yourself to admit that Natalie died of your hands you aren't telling either.

"All we do know is that you cruelly brought the life of this lively and attractive young woman to a premature end."

Williams was whisked from the court buildings on Tuesday by prison van to a temporary cell at HMP Horfield, Bristol.