A WOMAN has been found guilty of murder after a man with learning difficulties was found in Boscombe with his throat slashed.

Isabella Gossling lured vulnerable Phillip Nicholson to her flat in Mallard Grange, Sea Road, on May 26 this year, where he was stabbed to death in a protracted attack by the defendant's then-boyfriend Richard Moors, 26.

Moors admitted inflicting the wounds which led to the 22-year-old's death, but during her trial at Winchester Crown Court, Gossling, 20, claimed to be suffering with personality disorders and atypical autism, and pleaded not guilty on the basis of diminished responsibility.

However, the jury returned a guilty verdict this afternoon.

The Crown said the victim had been deliberately lured to Gossling's flat to meet a woman with whom they were friends, but once there he was murdered in accordance with a plan the killers had concocted the previous night.

The pair then travelled to Weymouth, where they were arrested later that day, having allegedly staged the scene to make it look like Mr Nicholson had slashed his own throat.

During the trial the court heard a harrowing audio recording, made by the defendant, of what was said to be the victim's final moments.

Gossling could be heard saying: "How deep has he cut you? Oh my days. He has cut you open quite badly."

She could be heard demanding an apology from the victim for a sexual assault on her and encouraging Moors to act and kill. Police said this allegation has never been substantiated and was never reported, and is believed to be unfounded.

The jury were told Mr Nicholson was subjected to protracted bullying and threatening behaviour from both Gossling and Moors, and they were shown evidence of this in text messages.

During the trial, the jury heard from a consultant psychiatrist who said Gossling was "devoid of empathy" and "callous", and was unable to "pick up on other people's distress" or "understand what the consequences of her actions can be".

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Balmer, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "We, along with Phillip’s family, are delighted that Isabella Gossling has been convicted today. This follows Richard Moors' previous guilty plea to Phillip's murder.

"Family liaison officers are supporting Phillip's family at this difficult time and our thoughts are very much with Phillip's family."

Gossling was remanded in custody to appear alongside Moors for sentencing at the same court on Monday, December 14.