David Bestwick, of Chesterfield Road, Sheffield, has been on trial at Sheffield Crown Court since Monday 22 February, charged with murdering Maria.
The court heard how at around 4am on Sunday 6 September 2020, emergency services were called to School Lane, Greenhill, following reports a woman had been assaulted.
Maria was found with life-threatening injuries and taken to hospital, where she sadly died two days later.
Officers arrested Bestwick at the scene and took him into custody. He was subsequently charged with attempted murder but following Maria’s death, this charge was changed to murder.
Detective Chief Inspector James Axe, senior investigating officer, said: “Firstly, I would like to offer my condolences to Maria’s family on this difficult day, because even though Bestwick has been found guilty of his role in her death, this will do little to ease the grief of her loved ones. Our thoughts are with them.
