After a hearing lasting 35 days Monique Olivier and Michel Fourniret entered their box  surrounded by police.

For the first time since March 27th, the jurors appeared relieved.  All present held their breath as the verdict was read out.

Michel Fourniret was sentenced to life imprisonment with no remission or early release. Such a sentence has only been passed three times so far.

Monique Olivier also got life but may be eligible for release after 28 years.

It is pretty certain that neither of the accused will appeal.

However, the Fournirets were given this warning:

"N'imaginez surtout pas que la police et la justice belges et francaises vont vous laisser tranquilles"

"Don't imagine for a moment that the Belgian and French police and justice will leave you in peace."

They are gathering evidence implicating the couple in the disappearance of Marie-Angele Domece and the murder of Joanne Parrish.

There could be another Fourniret trial.