Jim Watson

winced briefly as he was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of

his wife Beverley.

Meanwhile,

family and friends of Beverley Watson rejoiced at the guilty verdict handed

down by a Fulton County jury after just over five hours of deliberations.

Their tears of joy turned to smiles of satisfaction just over an hour

later as they spoke to the media.

On the other

side, the tears were of sadness for the family and friends of Jim Watson,

particularly his mother Gail and daughter Ashley.

Jim Watson's

lawyer, Lee Sexton, said he plans to appeal the case because there are

several grounds on which an appeal may be granted based on the outcome.

About an hour

after the verdict, Beverley Watson's brother, Scott Bennett, and close

friend Debbie White, urged anyone in an abusive relationship to get help

and call the police when necessary.

"The biggest

thing is to call the police, make them file the report," White said.

"Take the pictures. Don't stay silent."

Bennett also

reached out to Ashley and her brother Todd, saying their family loves

them.

"Our prayers

are for Todd and Ashley," Bennett said. "Our doors are always

open. We love Todd and Ashley."

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