Conman jailed for murdering author

Wang Yam battered frail Allan Chappelow to death in his £4.1 million home in Hampstead, north London, to steal his identity.

Penniless Yam, who had been posing as a multi-millionaire, was arrested after the 86-year-old's body was found hidden under a 4ft pile of papers.

Yam spent a month cloning Mr Chappelow's identity using documents from the house but attempts to get cash failed when his Chinese accent alerted bank staff.

Earlier this month, an Old Bailey jury found Yam, 47, of Hampstead, guilty of murdering Mr Chappelow in May 2006.

The defence case was held "in camera" with the press and public excluded for national security reasons and to ensure the administration of justice.

A court order bans speculation about the matters heard in private.

Yam denied the killing and burglary at the Manor House, Downshire Hill, during which cheques and a bank card were stolen.

Mr Chappelow had returned from a trip to America in May and was battered several times over the head in the dilapidated house.

The author, an expert on playwright George Bernard Shaw, found success in the 1960s, but had become reclusive in recent years.