Man killed woman then looked up partner, jury told

by Allison
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A homeless man accused of murdering a grandmother looked up her partner on social media after her death, a court heard.

Roy Barclay, 56, allegedly killed Anita Rose, 57, as she walked her dog near a sewage works in Brantham, Suffolk, on 24 July 2024.

Three weeks later, Mr Barclay made two searches on Facebook for Ms Rose's partner, Richard Jones, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Mr Barclay, of no fixed address, denies murder.

BBC Crimewatch
Anita Rose and Richard Jones had known each other since they were teenagers, a trial was told

He was arrested in October 2024 and had his phone seized by Suffolk Police, the court heard.

Jurors on Friday were talked through data the force obtained. It included searches made online and websites that were browsed.

Facebook searches for Richard Jones – the long-term partner of Ms Rose – were made on separate occasions, the prosecution said.

They said the first was on 13 August and the second on 17 September.

The jury was also shown several news articles, including 12 from the BBC, that Mr Barclay was said to have viewed between August and October.

He has been accused of using his walking boots to deliver "numerous kicks, stamps and blows" in a fatal attack on Ms Rose.

It has been alleged that Mr Barclay was "on the run" trying to avoid being "recalled back to prison" when he was said to have killed Ms Rose.

Suffolk Police
Roy Barclay denies murdering Anita Rose

Christopher Paxton KC, prosecuting, also revealed details of a Facebook post Mr Barclay was said to have liked on 15 September.

It quoted author George Orwell and read: "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.

"If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human's face – forever."

Mr Paxton previously said Mr Barclay had an "extraordinary interest in the media broadcasts" surrounding Ms Rose's death.

The trial continues.

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