Man jailed for life after murdering pensioner who mistook his home for B&B and got into his bed
A man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years for murdering a woman who mistook his home for a B&B and got into his bed.
David Redfern, 46, from Barmouth in north Wales, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday.
Margaret Barnes, from Birmingham, died on Marine Parade, Barmouth, in the early hours of 11 July 2022.
David Redfern. Pic: North Wales Police
Redfern’s trial heard he dragged the 71-year-old down the stairs and was accused of kicking or stamping on her, inflicting liver injuries on her, which the pathologist described as being “un-survivable” and similar to those seen in car crash victims.
During sentencing, the judge described Redfern’s behaviour towards Ms Barnes as “aggressive and offensive”, adding that it was after he had called the police that things went “terribly wrong”.
After finding Ms Barnes in his bed – holding a drink and surrounded by what appeared to be her belongings – Redfern’s actions of asking her what she was doing in his home were “entirely appropriate”, the judge said.
But the “trigger” for what happened next was Ms Barnes accusing Redfern’s partner, Nicola Learoyd-Lewis, of stealing her handbag and lunging towards her, after the phone call to police had been made.
Margaret Barnes. Pic: North Wales Police
The judge added that when outside the house, Redfern watched Ms Barnes in an “aggressive” or “threatening” attitude as she tried to gather her belongings.
In comparison, Ms Learoyd-Lewis acted “gently” and “carefully”, guiding Ms Barnes, who was unsteady on her feet, outside of the property.
Read more:
Former Cardiff teacher jailed for downloading nearly 5,000 indecent images of children
Man found guilty of murdering woman who mistook his home for B&B
Boy, nine, discovers ‘200 million-year-old fossil’
Redfern’s sentence was slightly lowered from the maximum of 14-15 years, due to the “sudden and bizarre circumstances” in which the offence was committed, and the “lack of intention to kill”.
He previously admitted to having been drinking on the evening of 10 July 2022 – “about six or seven pints in total with, I believe, a gin and tonic”.
He also acknowledged in his evidence that some of the comments he made towards Ms Barnes “were appalling”, adding that he thought she was “very drunk” at the time.
In a statement released after the jury’s verdict on Wednesday, Ms Barnes’s family described her as “a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother”.
The red carpet was rolled out at No 10 on Monday evening as the Lionesses attended a reception to celebrate their Euro 2025 victory.
The England squad went straight to Downing Street after touching down at Southend Airport in Essex less than 24 hours after they defeated Spain in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s final.
Led by captain Leah Williamson, who proudly clutched the trophy, the side posed for pictures outside No 10 before being greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
The England squad outside No 10. Pic: PA
Leah Williamson carries the trophy. Pic: AP
Speaking to Sky News correspondent Ashna Hurynag after the 40-minute reception, England manager Sarina Wiegman described the celebration as “very, very special”.
“To be able to go inside and also be in the garden there, [was] really nice,” she said. “They had put up pictures of us to show what we had done in the Euros… it was very, very special.”
Some people on social media have called for the England boss – who is from the Netherlands – to get an honorary damehood, but Wiegman told Ashna Hurynag that she “hasn’t thought about that”.
“I feel so much respect from England and from the Royal Family too, I think that’s the most important thing, feeling valued,” she said.
Weigman also joined some of the players to videocall Sir Keir Starmer, who was in Scotland with Donald Trump.
England manager Sarina Wiegman and some of the players on a video call with Sir Keir Starmer. Pic: Reuters
Pic: PA
Angela Rayner congratulates some of the players. Pic: Reuters
In a speech at the reception, the manager quipped: “I have to make my apologies [for giving] you lots of heart attacks.”
“We made it through and that’s why we’re here now,” she continued.
“The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we’re already legendary. Thank you so much for having us here.”
As the Lionesses left Downing Street, some stopped to try and meet another famous feline – Larry the Cat.
Read more:
England’s remarkable road to victory
Fans celebrate at Ella Toone’s home club
Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson in the garden at No 10. Pic: PA
England’s Esme Morgan, Anna Moorhouse and Grace Clinton try and get Larry the Cat’s attention. Pic: PA
The celebrations will continue on Tuesday afternoon with an open-top bus parade through central London before the team gather outside Buckingham Palace.
The Lionesses retained their Women’s Euros title on Sunday night by beating Spain in Basel, Switzerland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Behind the scenes after Lionesses’ win
Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 ahead in the first half, but England’s Alessia Russo levelled the score in the 57th minute.
The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the score remaining the same at the end of extra-time.
The match then went to a penalty shootout, which the Lionesses won 3-1.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Sports2 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike