Lovers who savagely beat a man to death before stripping him and dumping his body in a skip have both been found guilty of murder.

Fiona Nalty and Arry Green blamed each other for the death of Michael Hunt during their three-and-a-half week trial at the Old Bailey.

But today they were both found guilty of murdering the 37-year-old, who was known as Irish Mick.

Mr Hunt, of Holmesdale Road, was left with multiple injuries, including a severe brain injury likened by a pathologist to those suffered by boxers, in a skip off Station Road, South Norwood, on the night of March 14.

His body was discovered by a greengrocer stall owner at about 7am the following day and was taken to Kings College Hospital where he died just before noon.

Nalty, of Fairdene Road, Coulsdon, and Green were both known to Mr Hunt and the attack was found to be prompted by a trivial dispute after the three had been drinking on a night out.

The court heard Mr Hunt had been trying to chat up Nalty when the 25-year-old and her 22-year-old accomplice launched a vicious assault.

Police arrested Green on the day of Mr Hunt’s death and Nalty was arrested three days later.

Forensic evidence from the attack - which included evidence of very violent kicks and stamps to Michael's body - linked both culprits to the crime scene.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Diane Tudway said: "Michael was described by his friends and family as a friendly man and did nothing to provoke the savage attack that would ultimately cause his death.

“Both Nalty and Green did their best to thwart our investigation, denying all knowledge when first interviewed.

"They have been found to have acted in a very calculated fashion, taking Michael down an alleyway out of the sight of passers-by and CCTV cameras before aiming vicious blows to his head.

“Although drunk, both coldly and deliberately acted to hide Michael's body after the deadly attack.

"I am very grateful to the community who helped us to piece together the tragic events leading to Mick's death.

“I hope today's verdict goes some way to bringing some solace to Mick's family, both here and in Ireland, at this very difficult time."

And in a statement Mr Hunt's family said: "We love and miss you lots and lots, you will never be forgotten.

"Mick was such a kind gentle natured spirit, always happy-go-lucky with a dry sense of humour.

“He had a kind heart and was a loving big blue eyed silver fox.

“Mick was very family orientated he was loved by everyone who he came into contact with him."

Nalty and Green, of no fixed abode, will be sentenced at the Old Bailey tomorrow.