Ian Stewart has been sentenced to a minimum of 34-years in jail for the murder of celebrated children's author Helen Bailey, as the family of his first wife said they support the fresh police probe into her sudden death.

Stewart, who is 56-year-old and in poor health, will probably die behind bars, for the premeditated murder of his fiance.

He will be 90-years-old before he is even considered eligible for parole.

After a jury at St Alban's Crown Court found him guilty of killing Ms Bailey and dumping her body in a cesspit under their garage, detectives said they were to re-examine the circumstances of his first wife, Diane's death in 2010.

A statement on behalf of Diane'e family and her two sons Jamie and Oliver released last night, said they supported the police in their actions.

The family statement read: "The last few months, watching the investigation and trial of Helen Bailey's murderer has been a difficult time for our family.

"We didn't know Helen but our sympathy goes out to all of her family and friends, we cannot imagine what they have been through and how they are feeling.

"We are fully aware of the re-examination of Diane's death and support the police in their actions and would like to thank the police for how they have supported our family during this difficult time."