Their conviction is the culmination of a sensational eight week trial that has thrown a dramatic spotlight on the belief within some immigrant communities that people can be possessed by evil spirits; and the horrendous violence that is sometimes meted out to those who are accused of sorcery.

After a week of tortuous jury deliberations at the Old Bailey, Eric Bikubu, 28, and his girlfriend Magalie Bamu were convicted of murdering 15-year-old Kristy Bamu at their east London flat on Christmas Day 2010.

Kristy, the younger brother of Magalie Bamu, was subjected to three days of horrific violence which included being attacked with planks, metal bars and pliers simply because his attackers were convinced that he was practising black magic. He finally died after being placed in a bathtub where he drowned.

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