A Co Antrim mother of triplets has been cleared of having any part in the brutal murder of her husband Paul for which her ex-lover fire-chief Gordon Graham is serving life.
Ms Lesley Ann Gault was too emotional to talk afterwards, but her solicitor, Mr Tony Caher spoke of "the nightmare" Ms Gault (35) had endured over the last four-and-a-half years.
"Lesley Gault has been through a nightmare which is almost unimaginable - she has been bereaved, imprisoned, vilified and has had to endure for a time, separation from her beloved children," said Mr Caher.
He added that her only thoughts now were for her son and two daughters, and that she appeals to the press "to allow her to return to her three children and to protect them from further unwanted publicity".
Mrs Gault's former lover, Gordon Graham (42), is serving a life term for murder. Mr Paul Gault (33) was beaten to death in the couple's house in Lisburn in May 2000.