Four Men Receive Life Sentences for “Brutal and Cold-Blooded” Murder

Life sentences have been imposed on four men convicted of the “brutal and cold-blooded murder” of a 21-year-old man. The victim was enticed to his death, and his remains were subsequently discarded in a stream. Owen Fairclough, a resident of Long Eaton in Derbyshire, was discovered on 23 June 2023, alongside a country path close to Risley Lane in Breaston. Jack Towell, 22, identified as the “prime mover” and residing at Castle Boulevard in Nottingham, along with David Oswald, 31, described as “hired muscle” from Granville Square in Birmingham, and two additional individuals whose identities are legally protected, received their sentences at Derby Crown Court on Monday. During the trial, the jury heard testimony indicating that Mr. Fairclough sustained a cut throat and two stab wounds to his chest. Evidence presented in court revealed that Towell and the deceased had previously been “very good friends” and were cognizant of “each other’s criminal activity.” Towell “became convinced” that Mr. Fairclough intended to report him to law enforcement and implicate other individuals involved in their criminal enterprise, specifically drug dealing. During his sentencing remarks, Judge Gregory Dickinson KC stated: “The answer to your problems was to murder Owen… the main motivation was to preserve your criminal lifestyle.” The judge further noted that the four men collectively planned the assault. Mr. Fairclough was drawn to the location under the pretense of meeting Towell at the Navigation Inn, situated on Risley Lane, to collect an outstanding debt, estimated at £1,000. Upon his arrival, he contacted Towell, who subsequently directed him to a secluded spot where Towell, David Oswald, and another man were present. A group of teenagers discovered Mr. Fairclough’s body two days subsequent to these events. Testimony presented in court indicated that Towell had “deceived and lied” to Mr. Fairclough’s family, disclaiming any knowledge of his location and promising a reward for information leading to his discovery. The judge also mentioned that the men engaged in drinking and drug use after the murder. Catherine, Mr. Fairclough’s sister, expressed that she has endured a “rollercoaster of emotional grief and heartache” since his passing. She stated: “He was my first best friend in the world. I feel so alone because no-one can replace him.” She added: “Our family has been torn into 1,000 pieces.” Owen’s father, Andrew Fairclough, had his statement delivered by prosecutor Peter Joyce KC. His statement read: “Losing Owen is like losing a part of my soul… [Owen’s murder] is completely senseless… we all have a whole life sentence. We will never be able to able to get over it.” Towell, who entered a guilty plea during the proceedings, is mandated to serve 30 years prior to becoming eligible for parole. Oswald, convicted by a unanimous jury verdict, faces a minimum incarceration period of 26 years. Man A, 23, from the Long Eaton vicinity, was also found guilty by a unanimous verdict and will serve 29 years before parole eligibility. Man B, 28, from Nottinghamshire, was found guilty by a majority verdict of 10 out of 12 jurors and will serve a minimum of 25 years in prison. For updates, follow BBC Derby on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content on external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.