Friday, the Caernarfon Crown Court sentenced David Redfern, 46, for the murder of Margaret Barnes, 71, in July 2022.
A man was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 14 years for the murder of a woman who mistook his residence for a bed and breakfast.
David Redfern, 46, of Barmouth, North Wales, was sentenced on Friday by the Caernarfon Crown Court.
Margaret Barnes, 71, from Birmingham, passed away in the early hours of 11 July 2022 on Marine Parade in Barmouth.
After Redfern phoned the cops, things “went wrong,” the judge said.
After discovering Ms. Barnes in his bed, holding a drink and encircled by what appeared to be her belongings, the judge deemed Redfern’s actions “entirely appropriate” in asking her what she was doing in his home.
Ms. Barnes accusing Redfern’s companion, Nicola Learoyd-Lewis, of stealing her handbag and lunging at her after the police call was the “trigger” for the subsequent events.
During Redfern’s trial, the jury heard that he dragged Ms. Barnes down the stairs and was accused of stomping or stamping on her, causing “unsurvivable” liver injuries, which the pathologist compared to those seen in car accident victims.
During sentencing, the judge stated that while outside the residence, Redfern exhibited an “aggressive” or “threatening” attitude toward Ms. Barnes as she attempted to gather her belongings.
In contrast, his companion, Ms. Learoyd-Lewis, guided Ms. Barnes, who was unsteady on her feet, out of the property “gently” and “carefully.”
Redfern’s sentence was reduced from the maximum of 15 years to 14 years due to the “sudden and bizarre circumstances” surrounding the commission of the crime and the “lack of intent to kill.”
He had “about six or seven pints in total with, I believe, gin and tonic” on July 10, 2022.
In his testimony, he also admitted that some of the comments he made about Ms. Barnes were “appalling,” adding that he believed she was “very drunk” at the time.
Ms. Barnes’ family called her a “beloved wife, mother, and grandmother” after the ruling on Wednesday.
