Gang of four who murdered Owen in cold blood with 'total lack of remorse'

TWO murderers whose gang slit the throat of a young man and dumped his body in a stream, can now be named for the first time.

- By MARTIN NAYLOR

Owen Fairclough, 21, of Long Eaton, lost his life at the hands of four men who lured him to a secluded spot off Risley Lane, in Breaston, and savagely slit his throat in what a judge called "a planned killing".

A trial at Derby Crown Court heard how the four conspired together and hatched a plan to dispose of their victim, believing he was about to report their drug-dealing activities to the police.

After either pleading or being found guilty of murder, two of the men - “prime mover” Jack Towell and David Oswald - were jailed for life. Also handed life tariffs were Jason Hill and Luke Hibbert.

A reporting restriction put in place before the trial began last year forbade their identities from being known as they were also involved in a later firearms trial at Nottingham Crown Court.

However, now that trial has ended, the restriction has been lifted and both men can be named and pictured.

Sentencing the four late last year, and telling them they would collectively serve at least 110 years behind bars before they can apply for parole, Judge Gregory Dickinson KC said: "Shortly before midnight on June 21, 2023, in an isolated area, Owen Fairclough was murdered.