THE killer of a former Malvern St James pupil has been sentenced to death in Lebanon.

The country's news agency NNA is reporting that Uber driver Tariq Houshieh confessed to murdering Rebecca Dykes, whose body was found by the roadside in December 2017.

The 30-year-old former pupil of what was Malvern Girls College had been strangled with a rope.

The British embassy in Beirut paid tribute to Ms Dykes, who had been working for the Department for International Development since January 2017.

Her work had seen her helping Lebanon to cope with the influx of refugees from the war in neighbouring Syria.

In a Facebook post, the Embassy said: "Rebecca “Becky” Dykes was a talented, devoted humanitarian, whose skill, expertise, and passion improved the lives of many people.

"She was an impassioned advocate for those who most need support, a true friend of Lebanon, and an outstanding representative for the UK.

"She had an exciting, bright future ahead of her.

"Becky was also a hugely popular member of the British Embassy in Beirut.

"Her energy, smile, determination, kindness, and positivity are fondly remembered by all.

"The British Embassy hopes that for those close to Becky, the Court’s decision will provide a degree of closure.

"While we welcome the guilty verdict, the UK government continues to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances.

"Becky was much loved and is deeply missed. The Embassy would like to take this moment to express its deep and continued sympathy with Becky’s colleagues, friends, and above all, her family."