David Henderson, 67, was convicted yesterday by a jury at Cardiff Crown Court. The plane carrying the 28-year-old striker, who had just signed for Cardiff City, crashed into the Channel on January 21, 2019 on its way from Nantes, France, killing Sala and pilot David Ibbotson.

       Dad-of-three and former RAF officer Henderson had asked Mr Ibbotson to fly the plane as he was on holiday in Paris.

       Mr Ibbotson, 59, did not hold a commercial pilot's licence, a qualification to fly at night, and his rating to fly the Piper Malibu had expired.

       The jury heard how just after finding out the plane had gone down, Henderson texted a number of people telling them to stay silent, warning it would "open a can of worms".

       At the trial he was accused of running "a cowboy outfit".

       Henderson, of Hotham, Yorkshire, had already admitted a separate offence of attempting to discharge a passenger without valid permission or authorisation.

       He will be sentenced on November 12 and faces five years in jail for endangering the aircraft and two years for the lesser charge.

       What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea