Millionaire Nicholas van Hoogstraten has been left "numb and shattered" by his conviction for manslaughter, a friend said last night.

The landlord, dubbed an evil killer, was said to be "deeply upset" after a jury found him guilty of killing rival landlord Mohammed Raja.

But as the condemnation of Hoogstraten mounted, one supporter came to his defence.

His solicitor, David Englehart, stepped forward and protested his innocence.

Mr Englehart, who visited Hoogstraten at the Old Bailey after the guilty verdict was returned, said: "I personally believe there has been a miscarriage of justice.

"When I saw Nick, he was deeply upset. I think it had a numbing effect on him, like being immersed in cold water.

"It was devastating for him that he was found guilty of something he had not done.

"He was calm - he's not given to the shouting and screaming you hear from many defendants - but I think he was bottling up his true feelings.

"I felt very sad about the whole thing."

The landlord and the solicitor have been friends for years and Hoogstraten spent five-and-a-half months living with Mr Englehart and his family as a condition of bail before the trial.

During that time, Hoogstraten formed a strong bond with the family.

Mr Englehart said: "My wife Angela is devastated and my stepson Jack cried his eyes out when he heard the verdict.

"They would sit up talking for hours when he lived with us and they became firm friends.

"He was charming and a good friend, a very different person to the one portrayed.

"I know I am a voice in the wilderness and his tenants would see him differently but I never saw the other side of him and his mood swings."

Hoogstraten, one of Britain's richest men, chose Mr Englehart, a single practice solicitor operating from a small office in Blatchington Road, Hove.

Mr Englehart said he knew Hoogstraten was "not the most popular guy around" but would stand by him.

He said: "You don't just ditch a friend because they are in trouble."