Two people have been found guilty of the murder of Gold Coast police officer Damian Leeding.

The 35-year-old Detective Senior Constable died after being shot in the head while trying to stop an armed robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern in May 2011.

Phillip Graeme Abell, 41, and Donna Lee McAvoy, 39, faced the Supreme Court in Brisbane over his death.

After a two week trial, it took a jury just over three hours to reach the guilty verdict. The pair will be sentenced on Friday.

Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Wilson was one of many people in tears as the decision was read out in the packed courtroom.

"It's again a reality check as to what police officers do every day in the community," he said outside court.

"They go to work to protect the public, and as the very brave Damian Leeding did on that particular night, and unfortunately and sadly and tragically, he has paid the supreme sacrifice."

Sorry, this video has expired Police Commissioner welcomes guilty verdict

Abell and McAvoy had both pleaded not guilty to murder, with their defence lawyer saying they had acted in self-defence.

The pair had pleaded guilty to charges of armed robbery and deprivation of liberty.

In a show of contempt, Abell refused to stand when ordered to do so by Justice Douglas.

McAvoy broke down in tears.

Outside the court, family members said they were relieved by the verdict but that nothing would bring back Detective Senior Constable Leeding.