Father and son jailed for the murder of Haslingden man Barry Tyrie

John Taylor, 57, and Daniel Taylor, 30, of Blackburn Road, Haslingden, were convicted at Preston Crown Court today (March 13) of killing Barry Tyrie, 69 last year (2019).

The pair were jailed for life and ordered to serve a total of 31 years.

Det Ch Insp Gareth Willis, of Lancashire Police, said: “This was an incredibly shocking and senseless attack on a pensioner, which makes his death all the more tragic.

“Barry was a popular and well-respected member of the local community, and I want to thank everyone who came forward, providing significant assistance to the investigation team, and also the many witnesses who have attended court.

“Their support has helped us bring these two men to justice for Barry. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

Police had been called to reports of a fight outside the Trades Club on Regent Street in Haslingden at around 10.20pm on August 25, 2019.

Mr Tyrie was found at the scene with serious injuries by emergency services.

Despite the efforts of the public, police and paramedics, Mr Tyrie did not regain consciousness and was later pronounced dead at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Following an investigation, detectives discovered Mr Tyrie had been attacked after intervening in an argument John Taylor was having with a woman outside the club.

John and Daniel Taylor had been drinking in several bars during the evening before they went to the Regent Street club.

John Taylor was seen arguing aggressively outside the club with a woman, but he and his son left after others intervened.

A short time later the pair returned to the club where the argument continued on the street outside.

Mr Tyrie intervened and was punched by John Taylor, causing him to fall to the floor.

He then continued to punch Mr Tyrie, who was unconscious on the ground, kicking his head with force.

Daniel Taylor also got on top of him and punched him repeatedly in the head.

Both attackers left the scene but were later arrested by police.

Clothing recovered from both men was later found to contain Mr Tyrie’s blood.

A post- mortem examination gave the cause of Mr Tyrie’s death as traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage, a bleeding at the base of the brain, caused by a blow or blows to the head.

The post-mortem also revealed evidence of at least seven blows to the head, including bruising consistent with footwear marks.

The Taylors were charged with murder but pleaded not guilty at court.

Following a three-week trial, they were convicted of Mr Tyrie’s murder.

John Taylor was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years, and Daniel Taylor jailed for life with a minimum term of 15 years.

Paying tribute to Mr Tyrie, a much-loved member of the local community, his daughter Lisa said: “My dad was dearly loved by all his family and everyone that knew him. We will never get over what happened to him and struggle even more with knowing that two people who were supposed to be his friends were responsible for his death.

“As a family we are pleased with this conviction and feel that justice has been served. No sentence can ever bring my dad back but we can at least try and move forward and remember my dad for the kind and loving man he was.”