A 37-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Barry Dawson, a beloved grandfather who was fatally shot in his home in South Moor, Stanley, sparking grief and shock across the community.

Kelvin Craig Lawson, of Stanley, was formally charged with Dawson’s murder and appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning. The hearing marks a major development in the investigation into the April 5 shooting, which has prompted an extensive police operation.

Who Was Barry Dawson?

Barry Dawson, 60, was described by family members as a “much-loved father, granddad, and partner.” He was shot through a downstairs window at his terraced home on Elm Street at around 10:45pm. A post-mortem examination confirmed that he died from a single gunshot wound, launching a murder investigation led by Durham Constabulary.

Court Appearance and Next Steps

Lawson, wearing casual clothes, spoke only to confirm his name and address during a brief hearing before District Judge Steven Hood. He did not enter a plea and was remanded into custody, with his next court appearance set for Teesside Crown Court on April 14, 2025.

While no plea is expected at this early stage, the case will progress to crown court where further legal proceedings, including trial scheduling and bail considerations, will take place. If convicted, Lawson faces a mandatory life sentence.

Wider Investigation and Other Arrests

Durham Constabulary has launched a large-scale investigation involving 35 detectives, supported by armed units, forensic teams, and local officers maintaining a visible presence in South Moor.

In addition to Lawson, several others have been arrested:

• A 21-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of murder

• A 20-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman have been charged with assisting an offender

All remain in custody as enquiries continue. Speaking outside Stanley Police Station, Superintendent Peter Carr described the case as “complex and fast-moving,” adding:

“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and are committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding Mr Dawson’s tragic death.”

Residents are urged to come forward with any information by calling 101 and quoting incident number 302 of April 5.