A man has his throat slit and his body dumped in a local stream in Derbyshire after a brutal and evil murder plot planned by the victim’s friend.
The lifeless body of Owen Fairclough was discovered on the evening of June 23 last year, in a stream near Risley Lane, Derbyshire. The 26-year-old had suffered horrific injuries, including a deep throat wound, and multiple stab wounds.
His body had been callously discarded. Owen’s murder had been meticulously planned, and orchestrated by his so-called friend, Jack Towell.
How Owen Fairclough was killed by his own friend
It all began on the evening of June 21 when Owen had made plans to meet Towell, who claimed he owed Owen money. This seemingly ordinary meeting turned into a deadly trap.
Just after 11 pm, Owen was picked up in a taxi from his home in Long Eaton and driven to the meeting point at the Navigation Inn on Risley Lane. Upon arrival, Owen called Towell, who then directed him to a secluded spot on Ward Lane, where Towell, along with two accomplices—David Oswald and an unnamed man—were waiting.
It would be the last time Owen Fairclough would be heard from.
The group had plotted to kill Owen, convinced he was going to inform the police about their drug dealings. What followed was a brutal, premeditated attack.
Owen was ambushed, his throat slit and his body left in the stream, where it remained for two days before being discovered by a group of teenagers at around 7:20 pm on June 23.
Police investigation after body found with throat split in Derbyshire river
Police quickly launched an investigation after the discovery of the body.
As the investigation unfolded, it quickly became clear that Towell, who had lured Owen to his death, was a central figure in the crime.
Towell’s movements were traced through CCTV and geolocation data, placing him in the area at the time of the murder. He was arrested on June 24 at 1:42 am.
Men put to trial for Long Eaton murder where man had throat slit
Despite initially denying the charge, Towell eventually pleaded guilty to murder halfway through his trial at Derby Crown Court.
In addition to Towell, two other men, David Oswald, 31, and a man known only as “Man A,” 23, were charged with murder.
A fourth individual, “Man B,” 28, was also involved in the crime but did not participate in the actual killing. His role had been in the planning stages of the murder.
All three men denied their involvement, but after a trial, they were found guilty of Owen’s murder.
UK’s oldest war hero who survived D-Day landings honoured in Derbyshire town
Four sentenced for Derbyshire killing
Towell, Oswald, Man A, and Man B were all sentenced to life imprisonment. Towell was ordered to serve a minimum of 30 years, while Oswald will spend at least 26 years behind bars. Man A was sentenced to 29 years, and Man B to 25 years.
Police statement on evil friend betrayal that ended in murder
Detective Superintendent Leigh Sanders, head of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), led the complex investigation.
He described the case as one of the most challenging he had encountered in his career, given the numerous people involved in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“This murder was one of the largest investigations that EMSOU have investigated – and among the most complex I have had to deal with in my time as a detective,” Sanders said.
“There are dozens of people involved, and they all played a part in bringing these men to justice. The team worked tirelessly to arrest and charge those responsible and get justice for Owen’s family.”
Superintendent Matt Croome and Detective Staff Investigator Molly Mee were instrumental in the investigation, working relentlessly to gather evidence and identify the killers.
Detective Sergeant Craig Yates also played a key role in supervising the investigation.
READ MORE: Specialist army team called in and road closed after suspected munitions found in River Derwent
In addition to thanking the investigative team, Sanders praised Owen’s family for their unwavering support throughout the investigation and the trial. He also highlighted the immense strength and dignity they had shown, even in the face of such a tragedy.
“Owen was clearly a much-loved son – who died for no other reason than to protect the criminality of a group who thought nothing of luring a young man to his death,” Sanders added.
Detective Staff Investigator Molly Mee, who led the investigation, further revealed the depths of the premeditated nature of the crime. She described how Towell had become paranoid that Owen would expose the group’s illegal activities and acted to eliminate him.
“This was a pre-planned and callous attack organised by Towell after he became convinced that Owen was about to inform police of the group’s drug-dealing exploits,” said Mee.
“Towell recruited Oswald and the others to join him, and they lay in wait for Owen, ready to kill him in the most horrific way.”
Mee went on to express her satisfaction that all involved had been convicted, ensuring that they would remain behind bars for many years.
“Their calculated actions led to the needless death of a young man who had his whole life ahead of him,” she said.
“The fact they carried on just drinking and taking drugs in the days after killing Owen speaks volumes about their characters. I am pleased they have now all been convicted for their part in this awful crime.”
What the Long Eaton murder means for Derbyshire and families
With the conviction of Towell, Oswald, Man A, and Man B, justice has been served for Owen Fairclough, though nothing can bring him back. His tragic death will be remembered not only for the brutality of the crime but for the heartbreaking betrayal by those he trusted.
The sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of criminality and the lengths to which some will go to protect their illicit activities. For Owen’s family, the road to healing is just beginning, as they continue to grieve the loss of a beloved son, brother, and friend.
Read similar stories about police investigations:
