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'Brutal and cowardly slaying': Melissa Shaw guilty of murdering fiancé Sam Dhody

Melissa Shaw has been found guilty of murdering fiancé, Sam Dhody, on the Gold Coast.

The Crown stated the murdering of Dhody in bed was a "brutal and cowardly slaying", before sentencing her to life behind bars with a 20 year non-parole period.

However, Shaw was also found not guilty of attempted murder but guilty of assault in relation to the earlier attack on Dhody.

Shaw will be sentenced later this afternoon for persuading her 'secret lover' to murder her fiancé.

This is the love triangle involving Sam Dhody (left), Melissa Shaw (middle) and Adam Gooley (right) which ended in murder. Photo: 7 News
This is the love triangle involving Sam Dhody (left), Melissa Shaw (middle) and Adam Gooley (right) which ended in murder. Photo: 7 News
10 bullets were fired into Sam Dhody's head on July 5, 2013. Photo: 7 News
10 bullets were fired into Sam Dhody's head on July 5, 2013. Photo: 7 News

The former Gold Coast prostitute was described by prosecutors as a 'trojan horse' after she planned the murder of her 'violent' fiancé.

Melissa Leigh Shaw had previously pleaded not guilty to conspiring with her partner in the murder of Shyam Sam Dhody in July 2013.

Indian-born Mr Dhody was shot about 10 times to the head area at close range in his bed at the couple's Gilston home on July 5.

Shaw facilitated the murder, which was carried out by her lover Adam Gooley.

Shaw facilitated the murder, which was carried out by her secret lover Adam Gooley (pictured). Photo: 7 News
Shaw facilitated the murder, which was carried out by her secret lover Adam Gooley (pictured). Photo: 7 News
The court heard Shaw was the victim of a violent relationship but the tables turned in July 5 when her fiance was murdered. Photo: 7 News
The court heard Shaw was the victim of a violent relationship but the tables turned in July 5 when her fiance was murdered. Photo: 7 News

It was alleged Mr Dhody was violent and the couple's troubled relationship was approaching an inevitable end in the period leading up to his death.

The court heard Shaw was often seen with bruises on her body and that the murder came four months after Dhody had been set upon by an unknown assailant and struck repeatedly with a crowbar in an earlier, interrupted attempt to kill him.

Neighbours gave evidence of hearing cries for mercy at the time, and the jury was also shown graphic pictures of Mr Dhody's face crusted with blood and marred by deep lacerations to his scalp.

News break – April 20