Barmouth: David Redfern jailed for murdering woman, 71

A man who murdered a 71-year-old woman after she mistook his home for a B&B and got into his bed, has been jailed for at least 14 years.

Margaret Barnes, from Birmingham, died after being attacked in July 2022 while she was visiting Barmouth, Gwynedd.

David Redfern, 46, was given a life sentence at Caernarfon Crown Court and will serve a minimum of 14 years.

Margaret Barnes' daughter, Natalie Barnes, told the court her murder had "completely destroyed our family life".

Redfern found Mrs Barnes asleep in his bed and dragged her downstairs before kicking and stamping her to death.

Mrs Barnes had been out drinking with friends and had been planning to stay at a B&B on Marine Parade, where Redfern lived.

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She mistakenly went into Redfern's house, which was unlocked, and went straight to his bedroom and fell asleep.

Prosecutor Michael Jones said this was a "mistake that ultimately cost her her life".

Mrs Barnes died in the street following the attack in Barmouth, Gwynedd, last July

Before Redfern was sentenced, Natalie Barnes told the court: "Every morning, we wake up struggling to cope with the fact that we will never see her again.

"My dad and my brother can't come to terms with the fact that Mum called out for them as she was dying, but they were unable to help her.

"It has literally destroyed our family. We no longer talk about anything other than mum's death.

"It is no longer enjoyable to see each other. Dad has completely withdrawn from family life.

"Mum didn't need to die. We don't understand why she had to."

David Redfern found Mrs Barnes in his bedroom, dragged her downstairs and kicked and stamped on her

Mrs Barnes' granddaughter, Robyn Barnes, fought back tears as she read a victim impact statement to the court.

"My grandmother was taken from us in a way we never imagined," she said.

"We struggle to think how she suffered in the last few moments of her life.

"There's an empty seat at our table at Christmas and for birthdays.

"She will never be there for the milestones in my life. She will never see me get married. She will never be able to meet my children.

"We miss her every day. We will miss her forever. We are completely heartbroken."

Redfern denied murdering Mrs Barnes, but was found guilty after a trial

Mr Justice Bourne called Redfern's behaviour "aggressive and offensive".

He said Redfern had watched Mrs Barnes with a "threatening attitude" as she crouched on the ground trying to gather together her possessions.

The judge said although Redfern had brought Mrs Barnes water, cushions and took her pulse, he refused to call an ambulance when asked by a neighbour.

"The jury has found that she was killed by the kick or stamp which you delivered with the intention of doing her really serious physical harm," Judge Bourne said.

"Now, I accept you must have been very shocked to find a stranger in your house, in your bedroom.

"I also work on the assumption that she behaved aggressively towards your partner, accusing her of stealing and lunging towards her.

"But your reaction surpassed anything that a reasonable person could imagine.

"You're a large and strong man, aged 45 at the time. She was small and slight, at least 25 years older than you, and clearly affected by alcohol and unsteady on her feet."

Redfern had told the jury he "just wanted to get this strange woman out of the house"

Judge Bourne said the weight of the aggravating and mitigating factors almost made them cancel each other out.

"I attach particular weight to the lack of intention to kill and to the sudden and bizarre circumstances in which your un-premeditated offence was committed," he said.

"Those things do not begin to excuse what you did. They do however differentiate this case to many others."

'Cowardly, vicious bully'

Speaking after sentencing, Det Supt Mark Pierce, of North Wales Police, said Redfern had shown no remorse during his two-week trial.

The officer said he had tried to blame Mrs Barnes and subjected her family to "the trauma" of a court case.

"How a 21st (133kg), 6ft 1in (185cm) man could have inflicted such catastrophic injuries on a frail, 71-year-old lady, 25 years his senior, is beyond the comprehension of any reasonable person," he said.

"David Redfern is a cowardly, vicious bully and will now spend at least 14 years behind bars."

He praised Mrs Barnes' family for their "courage and dignity".

"They can now start to re-build their lives," he added.

Rhian Jones, speaking for the CPS after sentencing, said: "David Redfern's reaction to the mistake was unjustified and completely out of proportion to the situation.

"The strong evidence presented by the CPS has resulted in this conviction, and justice for Margaret Barnes.

"Her loss will continue to be felt by her family and friends, who have our deepest sympathy, but we hope the conclusion of the case will help them in their grief."