Two men jailed for perverting the course of justice following death of Barry Cairns

Two men have been jailed for perverting the course of justice, in connection with the death of Barry Cairns in Leigh Park.

Police were called at 7.02am on Monday 19 June to the Chalton Crescent area, following the discovery of the 53-year-old’s body.

A Home Office Post-Mortem Examination concluded the death was as a result of drug intoxication, and the investigation into the wider circumstances surrounding Barry’s death will be led by the Coroner.

During the course of police enquiries, 47-year-old Dale Edmonds and 43-year-old Mark Walkley were charged with perverting the course of justice.

The charges relate to the concealment and disposal of Barry’s body after his death.

Edmonds, of Warnford Crescent in Leigh Park, admitted the offence at Portsmouth Crown Court on 24 August.

Walkley, of no fixed abode, admitted the offence at the same court on 26 October.

Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court today (Friday 1 December), Edmonds was jailed for 11 months and Walkley was jailed for 22 months.

Detective Sergeant Carl Holmes said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Barry Cairns at this time.

“Barry had been in the company of the two defendants at Edmonds’ flat in Warnford Crescent when his life was tragically cut short. Rather than call for help, the defendants loaded Barry’s body into a bin which was then removed from the property.

“Edmonds transported the body to an area beside a stream in Chalton Crescent in the early hours of the morning. Barry’s body was then callously and inexplicably left in the grass before being found by a member of the public some hours later.

“Their disgraceful actions have caused unimaginable pain to Barry’s family.

“I want to thank the community of Leigh Park for their assistance with our enquiries. Engaging with local residents and reviewing CCTV has been crucial to understanding what happened to Barry. Progressing this investigation and securing the convictions of Edmonds and Walkley would not have been possible without the support of the community.”