Calm killer spoke to his victim's family on phone

Relatives, worried they could not get hold of Barbara Scott, were fearful Omar Reid who had been employed to do work at her home in Somerton, in north-west Jamaica, was not telling the truth and alerted police.

Her body was later discovered in a dry pit within the grounds of her house. The 61-year-old had suffered head injuries.

Reid, then aged 30, who was helping Ms Scott renovate her villa on the island, disappeared and police launched a manhunt to find him.

An inquest in Leeds yesterday heard Reid was stopped at a roadblock and an officer noticed him discard a crushed piece of paper.

It was a clipping of a newspaper appeal seeking information about his whereabouts.

Yesterday West Yorkshire coroner David Hinchliff said it was his understanding that Reid had been employed to do some labouring or gardening work for Ms Scott.

There had been an issue over payment or the quality of the work, which had resulted in him launching an attack on her.

Recording a verdict that Ms Scott was unlawfully killed Mr Hinchliff said: "It's obvious to me that she was the victim of a very serious assault and a number of blows must have been rained down upon her."

He told the hearing he had been told by the authorities in Jamaica that in July this year Reid was found guilty of murdering Ms Scott in March 2008 and was sentenced to serve a minimum of 25 years.

Speaking after yesterday's hearing her family released a statement which said: "Barbara was a much loved mother, wife, sister and grandmother and we believe justice has been done. Barbara was a wonderful, loving selfless person who worked hard to bring up her three children with her husband of 15 years, Charles.

"She was a devoted mother and supportive wife.

"Determined and caring she brought fun and laughter to family life.

"She was the bedrock to her family who are finding life so hard without her."

They thanked the Jamaican authorities, especially prosecutor Dirk Harrison, for their assistance.

Ms Scott, who was divorced but who remained on good terms with her ex-husband Charles, followed a nursing career for over 15 years.

Together with her late sister Linda, she bought the property in Jamaica around 15 years ago, where she occasionally stayed.

After her sister died in a road accident in 2007 Ms Scott decided to sell the property.

She returned to Jamaica in January 2008 and oversaw the renovation.

She remained in close contact with her family via telephone and had been due to return just prior to her murder.