Jury convicts Vasiliki 'Vicky' Efandis of murder

A WOMAN who laced her partner's meal with sedatives and left him to die in his burning house has been found guilty of murder.

A WOMAN who laced her partner's meal with sedatives and left him to die in his burning house has been found guilty of murder.

Vasiliki "Vicky'' Efandis, 49, took control of George Marcetta's life and his finances, manipulating him into signing over his home, car and part of his business, and opening joint bank accounts in their names.

The Supreme Court heard she was motivated by greed and planned the fire that took Mr Marcetta's life.

Ms Efandis pleaded not guilty to his murder.

The charred body of the 58-year-old painter was found in a bedroom of his Bellfield home early on September 9, 2004.

A Supreme Court jury today convicted her of murder after deliberating for three days.