Father and Son Jailed for Brutal Murder of Friend in Dagenham
Bobby Ternent, 32, and his dad Gary Ternent, 59, both from Movers Lane, Barking, have been locked up for life at the Old Bailey for the savage killing of their friend John Avers.
Bobby must serve at least 25 years, while Gary faces a minimum of 23 years behind bars after being found guilty of murder in a harrowing trial.
Friendship Turns Deadly: Victim Beaten and Run Over Four Times
On the night of 13 September 2020, the Ternents lured 47-year-old John Avers to a quiet supermarket car park in Dagenham. What followed was a chilling assault — John was beaten and then deliberately run over FOUR times before being left to die.
John’s family said in a moving court statement:
“When we got the knock on the door, our lives changed forever. The pain of hearing how John died was heartbreaking. We think about him every day. He was a great dad and loved his girls unconditionally. They’ve lost something priceless – their dad. We’ll hold him close in our hearts forever.”
Cold-Blooded Murder Caught on CCTV
CCTV footage captured the brutal attack: Bobby wrestling John to the ground, Gary caught trying and failing to reverse the car, then the two swapping places so Bobby could drive over John multiple times while Gary held him down.
Witnesses were horrified. One local said:
“I thought they were just trying to scare someone, but then I saw John being run over four times. It was deliberate. I still can’t believe anyone could do that.”
Paramedics arrived minutes later but despite their best efforts, John was pronounced dead at the scene, after suffering horrific injuries including dozens of broken bones and internal wounds.
Twisted Motive and Failed Escape
Bobby admitted to police he ran over John but claimed it was a panic reaction after a fight over stolen drug money he was holding for John. He claimed John threatened to kill his family if he didn’t hand over missing cash.
After the attack, Bobby changed his clothes and they set fire to the car used in the crime, which had false plates. Yet police quickly pieced together the grisly details and arrested both men within days.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers said:
“This was a cold, calculated execution of a friend. There is no excuse for running someone over four times. The brutality of their crime is shocking and heartbreaking for John’s loved ones. Their lengthy prison terms bring some hope for justice.”
Despite Bobby’s claims, the court heard John was no villain but a businessman with a history of running a sash window company.
The Ternents will now spend decades behind bars for one of the most chilling murders in recent memory.
