Drug Dispute Ends in Tragic Murder: Four Guilty in Teen Killing
Four Found Guilty of Murdering 17-Year-Old Harry Baker
On March 15, a jury convicted Peter McCarthy, Leon Clifford, Leon Symons, and 17-year-old Brandon Liversidge of murdering 17-year-old Harry Baker following a dispute over drugs. The judge lifted reporting restrictions, revealing Liversidge’s identity today.
Sentences Handed Down at Newport Crown Court
Judge Justice Picken branded Harry’s death “tragic and unnecessary,” stressing he “did not deserve to die.” Sentences included:
- Leon Clifford, 23 – Life imprisonment, minimum 27 years
- Leon Symons, 22 – Life imprisonment, minimum 28 years
- Peter McCarthy, 38 – Life imprisonment, minimum 23 years
- Brandon Liversidge, 17 – Minimum 20 years’ imprisonment
- Lewis Evans, 62 – Four years’ imprisonment (manslaughter)
- Ryan Palmer, 34 – 11 years’ imprisonment (manslaughter)
- Raymond Thompson, 48 – Six years’ imprisonment (manslaughter)
Police Issue Tough Warning on Drug Crime and Knife Violence
Senior Investigating Officer DCI Andy Miles praised the jury for their dedication during the complex trial. He vowed South Wales Police will remain relentless in fighting knife crime and drug-related violence.
“I hope the sentences also send a stark warning to those involved in illegal drug activity and knife crime,” said DCI Miles. “Tackling such criminality is a priority, and we will bring offenders to justice.”
