An ex-soldier has been handed a life sentence for murdering Gold Coast nightclub singer Tony Williams.
Matthew Cox, 27, previously admitted to causing the New Zealand-born performer's death, but pleaded not guilty to murder during his Supreme Court trial in Brisbane.
Over the course of the trial, the court heard Cox viciously bashed Mr Williams to death with a hammer at his Mermaid Waters apartment in December 2011.
Prosecutor David Meredith told the jury Cox was jealous of the effect the Sex `N' Chocolate singer had on his girlfriend and attacked him in a premeditated act.
The defendant's girlfriend, Sarah Davis, had a child to Mr Williams from a casual relationship but, wanting to hide the extent of the liaison, told Cox she had been raped.
Cox's defence team argued Mr Williams' fatal injuries were inflicted in self defence during a confrontation.
The jury took around four hours to return a guilty verdict on Wednesday afternoon, announcing its decision to cheers and sobs from family members in court.
Mr Williams' relatives released a statement saying they were grateful Cox was held responsible for the "cruel and cowardly" murder, The Courier-Mail reports.
"We are grateful that the truth has been put forward and that Tony's name has been cleared back to the friendly brother, son and mostly loving father that he was."
