Scarborough man today starting jail sentence for manslaughter

Following a two week murder trial at Leeds Crown Court, Barry Rewcroft, 51, who was accused of killing Shaun Atkinson, was found guilty of manslaughter.

Rewcroft, from Raincliffe Road in Scarborough, North Yorkshire was handed the verdict this morning following the conclusion of the case last Friday.

Rewcroft’s 20-year-old son, Ruben Botterill Rewcroft, also stood trial for murder. The jury found him not guilty.

They had been accused of murdering Mr Atkinson, 49, at his home on St Johns Avenue in the seaside town at around teatime on December 27 last year.

Police were alerted to the address at 6.25pm that day but Mr Atkinson was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics having suffered "horrific injuries".

Barry Rewcroft was arrested on suspicion of murder after he went to Scarborough Police Station shortly after the incident and Ruben Rewcroft was brought into custody at 12.30am the next day after police enquiries linked him to the investigation.

After the hearing Det Chief Insp Andrea Kell, said: “We note the verdict and we are satisfied with the sentence. Our thoughts are with Shaun Atkinson’s family.

“Joe, Shaun’s son, sat through the two-week trial and listened to the horrific injuries his father sustained. He has displayed a level of maturity beyond his years.

“With the court proceedings now concluded, I truly hope that Joe and his family can begin the process of rebuilding their lives.”

In tribute to his father, Joe Atkinson, 19, said: “It was such a shock when I heard about my dad. He was a kind-hearted, hard-working, lovely, charming person who would make time for anyone at any time.

“He loved his family and friends more than anything else. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and, in particular, his children.”