Brother jailed for life over EastEnders actress’s killing

Published on 31/01/2013 00:00

THE brother of former EastEnders actress Gemma McCluskie has been jailed for life for her murder.

Tony McCluskie, 36, showed no emotion as he was told at the Old Bailey that he would serve a minimum term of 20 years.

The judge said McCluskie had done everything he could to discredit his “hugely popular” sister’s character during the trial.

He rejected claims by the “skunk” cannabis addict that she had pushed him over the edge by being mean to him.

McCluskie was found guilty of murder by an 11-1 majority. He had admitted manslaughter.

Miss McCluskie’s dismembered body was found floating in the Regent’s Canal in east London in March last year.

Her head was found in the water six months later.

The 29-year-old found fame in the BBC soap in 2001, when she played Ethel Skinner’s niece.

After the verdict, father, Tony McCluskie snr said: “I hope and pray that one day Tony will be released with a better understanding of his actions.”