A HOMOPHOBIC killer who stabbed a Barry-born accountant to death in public toilets earlier this year has been found guilty of murder.

Jury members this week unanimously convicted 30-year-old Mark Malone of murdering former Barry Comprehensive pupil Peter Jeffrey Akers, following a trial at the Old Bailey in London.

Malone, of Clements Road, Walton, plunged an eight-inch kitchen knife into Mr Akers' back near a beauty-spot in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

Fifty-year-old Mr Akers, known as Jeff, lived with his partner of 22 years Michael Drew, in Wallington, south London.

He died from a single stab wound to the back following the 'ferocious'

attack at the Cowey Sale toilets next to Walton Bridge on February 19.

Malone fled the scene and later told his brother-in-law: 'I hope the guy dies.'

Malone was convicted of a homophobic crime in 2003 when he was found guilty of attacking an autistic man who smiled at him in Truro, Cornwall later saying: 'My impression of the geezer was he was gay.'

He was sentenced to three months imprisonment on that occasion.

Jurors heard that Malone, a married father, attacked another man at the same toilets in Walton a few months before killing Mr Akers, claiming on that occasion that the victim had tried to pull him into a cubicle.

Prosecutor Anne Cotcher QC, had told the court: 'It was a totally unprovoked attack by this man, Mark Malone, and the only possible motive is homophobia - a dislike of homosexuals.'

He stole the murder weapon from a burger van before heading to the toilets and knifing Mr Akers.

Malone threw his bloodstained clothes into the River Thames and fled to Thatcham, Berkshire. His brother-in-law Paul Malone later persuaded him to hand himself in to police.

At the trial, Malone denied the killing was a homophobic and unprovoked attack, claiming he 'freaked out' after being propositioned by Mr Akers, and could not remember the fatal blow.

He said he was carrying a kitchen knife to protect himself from gypsies he was feuding with, and insisted he had 'no difficulties' with homosexuals.

On hearing the verdict, Mr Akers' friends and family were heard to cry 'yes', and his partner Michael Drew wept in the public gallery.

Judge David Paget QC remanded Malone in custody pending psychiatric reports.

He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on December 5.