Jury convicts NJ man in slain British tourist case

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey man who admitted killing one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors was convicted Wednesday of reckless manslaughter and weapons offenses stemming from the August 2007 slaying.

Robert Davies of North Wildwood admitted he killed Lavern Paul Ritch of Penarth, Wales, but claimed he acted in self-defense, believing the man who was a reality show competitor in the U.K. was part of a group out to hurt or kill him.

In reality, Ritch was a Good Samaritan out to help Davies, who had just been assaulted moments earlier.

The jury found Davies guilty of reckless manslaughter, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He was acquitted of murder and aggravated manslaughter.

Davies faces up to 10 years in prison.