Christopher Wright, 73, has been found guilty of murdering 55-year-old Richard Dyson and hiding his body in a barrel filled with concrete. The conviction came at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday (July 28).
Disappearance and Discovery
Mr Dyson disappeared in November 2019 after failing to meet his daughter Bethany for their regular Sunday afternoon get-togethers. He had been living in vehicles on land in Barnsley owned by Wright. His body was found six years later at Alderthwaite Farm, concealed in a blue plastic barrel filled with concrete. Forensic experts matched DNA to Mr Dyson.
Evidence and Convictions
A fresh review of mobile phone evidence in July 2025 revealed Wright had called the farm owner three days after Mr Dyson was last known to be alive. A diary entry confirmed Wright asked to leave a trailer at the farm but never returned. Inside the trailer, police found a name badge bearing Wright's name. Analysis of firearms from Wright's home matched the type used to kill Mr Dyson.
Karl Schwalbe, 72, a childhood friend of Wright, was convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice for helping conceal the crime. Telephone records showed two late-night calls between Wright and Schwalbe on the night of the murder. CCTV captured Schwalbe's Toyota Hilux arriving at Wright's home and leaving about an hour later. Both men claimed not to remember the meeting, but covert recordings exposed their lies.
Statements from Officials
Det Ch Insp Andy Knowles said: "Richard’s family and loved ones have endured an unimaginable wait for answers and clarity and my thoughts remain with them. No one deserves to lose their lives at the hands of someone else and the impact of this tragedy has been felt by those who loved him every single day." He added: "Throughout this long investigation, Bethany and Richard’s wider family have shown extraordinary strength by attending court every day and listening to heart-breaking evidence, testimonies and defence. No verdict can erase what they have been through, but I hope it brings them a measure of clarity and the first steps towards healing. They have carried a burden no family should ever have to bear."
Jamie Barton, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: "Wright brutally murdered Richard Dyson, and then enlisted his lifelong friend to help cover his tracks. Schwalbe may not have pulled the trigger, but his lies and actions were part of a deliberate attempt to stop justice ever being delivered. This was a complex case, which relied on a combination of phone records, CCTV, forensic science, firearms evidence and covert recordings to prove to the jury what Wright and Schwalbe had tried so hard to conceal."
Charges and Sentencing
Wright, of Sheffield Road, Barnsley, was convicted of murder, preventing a lawful burial, and possessing a prohibited weapon. Schwalbe, of Dike Hill, Rotherham, was convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. The pair are due to be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on August 6.
