A Supreme Court jury in Brisbane handed down the verdict on Monday over the shooting death of Senior Constable Leeding, 35, who was blasted in the face with a shotgun after he was called to an armed robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern on May 29, 2011.
Sen Const Leeding's family and friends in the court cried and some shouted ''yes'' when the guilty verdict was handed down for Phillip Graeme Abell and Donna Lee McAvoy.Co-accused Benjamin Ernest Power, 39, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the start of the 11-day trial.
His plea was subject to a non-publication order for the rest of the trial to avoid prejudicing the jury.
Abell and McAvoy had pleaded not guilty to murder, but guilty to armed robbery and deprivation of liberty.
Abell refused to stand when Justice James Douglas asked him to after the verdict was announced.
He and McAvoy will be sentenced on Friday.
The detective's widow, Sonya Leeding, was too emotional and declined to speak to media.
His mother Julie Waters says the family is relieved.
''Justice has been finally served,'' she told reporters outside court.
''While nothing can bring Damian back, we are thankful the offenders have been held responsible for his death.''
Sen Const Leeding's father-in-law, Garry O'Brien, says it has been a hard two years.
''The last two weeks have certainly opened up a lot of wounds,'' he said.
''With the result today, I can say on behalf of the family we can finally say to Damo 'rest in peace'.''
- See more at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/pair-guilty-over-killing-gold-coast-policeman-damian-leeding/story-e6frg6nf-1226725371596#sthash.YbknFhE9.dpuf
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