Drugs Dispute Ends Young Life: Harry Baker Murder Convictions
Four men and a teenage boy have been convicted over the brutal murder of 17-year-old Harry Baker in a drugs-related dispute. The verdicts came earlier this month, with sentencing handed down today at Newport Crown Court.
Life for Killers, Jail for Accomplices
- Leon Clifford, 23, received life imprisonment with a minimum of 27 years.
- Leon Symons, 22, was sentenced to life with at least 28 years behind bars.
- Peter McCarthy, 38, got life with a minimum of 23 years.
- Seventeen-year-old Brandon Liversidge, previously unnamed due to restrictions, faces a minimum of 20 years.
- Lewis Evans, 62, was jailed for 4 years for manslaughter.
- Ryan Palmer, 34, got 11 years’ imprisonment.
- Raymond Thompson, 48, was sentenced to six years.
Judge Condemns Tragic, Unnecessary Death
Judge Justice Picken told the court, “Harry did not deserve to die and his death is as tragic and unnecessary as that of anybody who is murdered, and I make that abundantly clear.”
Senior Officer Issues Strong Warning
“This was a lengthy and complex trial involving a number of defendants, and I’m grateful to the jury for the diligence and commitment they showed throughout and for returning verdicts which provide justice for Harry and his devastated family,” said DCI Andy Miles, Senior Investigating Officer. “I hope the sentences also send a stark warning to those involved in illegal drug activity and knife crime; tackling such criminality is a priority for South Wales Police and we will be relentless in investigating, tackling and bringing those involved to justice.”
