Christopher Wright, a 73-year-old former butcher, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 33 years and 353 days for the murder of Richard Dyson, whose dismembered body was found hidden in a concrete-filled barrel six years after he disappeared.
Murder and cover-up
Wright shot 55-year-old Dyson, who had been living on land owned by Wright in Barnsley, before dismembering him and concealing the remains. Dyson was reported missing by his daughter in November 2019.
Police discovered Dyson's remains in July 2025 inside a blue plastic barrel filled with concrete, which had been left in a trailer on nearby Alderthwaite Farm. A name badge bearing Wright's name was also found in the trailer.
Investigation and evidence
Investigators matched a firearm from Wright's extensive collection to the weapon used in the killing. The jury also saw covertly recorded conversations between Wright and his childhood friend, Karl Schwalbe, 72, who was convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice for helping conceal the crime.
Wright was convicted of murder, preventing a lawful burial, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, and six firearms offences.
Statements from officials
Jamie Barton, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “For six years, Richard Dyson’s loved ones were left without any answers about what had happened to him.”
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: “Richard’s family and loved ones have endured an unimaginable wait for answers and clarity and my thoughts remain with them.”
