Former long-serving Crown Australasia CEO Bernard Whelan this week expressed some relief after the New South Wales Supreme court sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the death of Mr Whelan's wife, Kerry Whelan (Forkliftaction.com News #229).

Mrs Whelan disappeared in Sydney in 1997 and her body was never found.

Bruce Burrell, 53, was this week sentenced to life imprisonment for extortion and murder.

Although satisfied with the outcome, Mr Whelan said his family would continue to suffer.

Mr Whelan started working for Crown in 1965 in Smithfield, Sydney. He worked for Crown Australasia for 30 years and retired in 2004.

Crown Equipment Pty Ltd general manager marketing Craig Kenchington said Mr Whelan played a pivotal role in the growth of the company in the Asia Pacific region.

Mr Whelan has remarried and has three children.