Two Men Found Guilty of Brutal Murder in Derbyshire
Two men have been convicted of the savage murder of 21-year-old Owen Fairclough. His body was found in a stream in Breaston, Derbyshire, with his throat slashed and multiple stab wounds.
The jury at Derby Crown Court found David Oswald, 31, from Birmingham, and an unnamed accomplice, known only as Man A, guilty of murder after eight days of deliberation.
A third suspect, Man B, awaits a verdict, while a fourth, Jack Towell, 22, of Nottingham, pleaded guilty during the trial.
The Crime: Lure, Betrayal and Murder
Prosecutors revealed how Owen Fairclough was tricked into a secluded wooded spot near the Navigation Inn on June 21, 2023. The killers suspected Owen planned to expose their drug dealing to the police.
“The group conspired to kill Owen in the preceding days, and on the night of June 21, three of them—Towell, Oswald, and Man A—carried out their plan,”
– Prosecutor Peter Joyce KC
Towell, a close friend of Owen, used that trust to lure him to the fatal spot where Oswald and Man A lay in wait. Owen’s body was found two days later by teenagers near the stream.
Motive & Evidence: ‘Holiday’ Code and Cold Blood
The motive was clear: stop Owen from snitching. Text messages uncovered during the investigation revealed the men discussed the murder in code, calling it a “holiday.”
The jury even visited the crime scene, witnessing the chilling reality of this cold-blooded, premeditated attack.
Justice Looms: Life Behind Bars Awaited
The convicted men now face life sentences. Judge Gregory Dickinson KC said:
“The sentence for murder is life, but I must set a minimum term they must serve before being eligible for parole.”
Detective Chief Inspector Susie Cairns, who led the probe, slammed the crime as a devastating betrayal.
“This was a calculated and cold-blooded murder. The defendants conspired to betray and murder Owen, who thought he was among friends. Justice has been served, and our thoughts remain with Owen’s loved ones.”
Sentencing and Next Steps
Towell, Oswald, and Man A will be sentenced soon, with the date still to be confirmed. The jury continues to consider the fate of Man B.
