Family appeal to trace grandfather's killer

Barry Rubery, 68, had his legs and wrists bound by electrical cable and was beaten to death in his own home in the small village of Iron Acton in Gloucestershire.

Detectives believe the motive was burglary but have not been able to confirm if items were stolen from the grandfather's home.

Yesterday, Mr Rubery's children, Philip and Julie Rubery, who live in the same area, said what happened to their father was a "mystery to us all".

Miss Rubery said: "Dad was a well-liked man who had many friends and associates. He was known for his generous and kind, helpful nature.

"To lose our father in this way is just unimaginable and our devastation is just beyond belief.

"We are working closely with the police in an effort to help trace whoever is responsible.

"We appeal to everyone to search your memories for anything that may help the police.

"It matters not how insignificant you think it is, you may hold that vital clue that will thrust this investigation forward and result in a murderer or murderess being brought to justice."

Asked what message they would send to their father's killer, Mr Rubery replied: "Just to come forward and tell us what the reasons were for doing all this.

"Come to the police and hand yourself in. Because me and my sister and his six grandchildren are just devastated about what happened."

Mr Rubery returned to his home at 10.45pm on April 28 after spending the evening with friends at a social function.

He was found at 8am the following day with significant head injuries and bruising to the face.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be head injuries from a "significant and sustained" physical assault, police said.