HE was a Jekyll and Hyde character who even his own mother described as a bully.

And now Paul Stones has been found guilty of killing his mother, Marian Stone.

Mrs Stones was strangled to death at the home she shared with her son in Park Terrace, Eagley, in June.

The 58-year-old was described as an “absolute gem” and “a really lovely person” by friends.

But her son had two different sides — and no-one really knew what went on behind closed doors.

Neighbour Tom Naylor sold Mrs Stones her home about four years ago and lives nearby.

He said Stones looked round with his former partner, but then his mother bought the property.

She rented it out at first, but moved in around Christmas, along with her son after his relationship broke down.

Mr Naylor said: “He was a weird man, a Jekyll and Hyde character. We just don’t know what went on behind closed doors.

“From what she told me he was a bully. That was her own words.

“One thing can lead to another, but why he has gone to that extent we’ll never know.

“His wife was frightened of him too, he was overpowering. He was not right and there was something wrong with him.

“She was a very independent woman and had her head on her shoulders financially.”

No-one has been to the house since the incident happened.

Ms Stones gave neighbours the impression that she had no family, other than her son and his young daughter.

Before she moved to Park Terrace she lived in Rodmell Close, Bromley Cross.

Former neighbour John Evans, who went to her funeral, said: “She was a very good neighbour and friend. She was kind to everyone, a really nice person.

“It was a shock when we heard what happened.

“We used to socialise together as neighbours but I did not know her son at all. She never discussed him. She was a private person really, not one to gossip.”

Murderer gets life sentence for strangling his mother

Murderer Paul Stones' history of violence and broken relationships