Murderer loses bid for reduced sentence

A murderer who portrayed himself as the “best friend” of the flatmate he killed has lost his bid to have his sentence reduced.

Luc Barker was one of two men convicted of stabbing Gavin Moon to death in the sitting room of the property in Trafalgar Road, Sulgrave, Washington, before emptying his pockets and fleeing after taking cocaine.

Barker was ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years behind bars as part of his life sentence while co-accused Brian Goldsmith, 47, of Wayman Street, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, was told to serve at least 18 years in jail.

Newcastle Crown Court was told that both “callous and selfish” killers used a knife to attack Mr Moon.

Now Barker has learned that his minimum term will remain after his legal plea to have it reduced was refused at London’ s Court of Appeal. A full explanation behind yesterday’ s decision is expected to be published later.

Barker, 29, denied involvement after police were called to his flat the day after dad-oftwo Mr Moon was attacked on January 7, 2019.

He initially claimed that three masked men carrying machetes were responsible.

But detectives became suspicious when Barker refused to hand over his mobile and clothes to help inquiries. He was arrested with investigations soon leading officers to his accomplice.

Goldsmith, whose girlfriend was related to Barker, claimed a row about drugs was the “flashpoint” and that he must have stab bed Mr Moon in self defence.

Mr Moon was said in court to have started taking and dealing drugs after breaking up with long-term partner in 2016.