DNA breakthrough gives parents hope


09 October 2006 12:47

The parents of a teenage boy killed in a New Year's Eve fight said they hoped a breakthrough in DNA research could help catch his killers.

Richard Barrington, 17, a pupil at Thorpe St Andrew High School, was killed after he was attacked by youths as he walked home from a party during the early hours of New Year's Day in 2004.

Police initially launched a murder investigation and arrested nine teenagers including some fellow pupils at the school, but could not find out what happened in the run-up to his death or who was involved.

Nearly three years later, those responsible have never come forward, despite appeals by Richard's parents Jan and Peter Barrington, of Finch Way, Brundall.

Earlier this month we reported hundreds of unsolved crimes could be re-investigated using new revolutionary forensic techniques that allow previously uninterpretable DNA samples to be used in evidence.

Mr Barrington said news of the breakthrough had provided them with one glimmer of hope, although he does not know if it will help in his son's case.

Mr Barrington said: “The thought did come to me when I read about the new DNA breakthrough that those responsible for Richard's death should give up now.

“After Richard's death we did ask the police whether they found any DNA, but they would not tell us. It was raining and snowing at that time of his death, so I don't know if they got any DNA.”

Norfolk police could not comment whether the DNA breakthrough would help bring Richard's killers to justice, but a spokesman said: “Cases are never closed. However there are no new lines of inquiry beyond those that have already been explored.”

Mr Barrington said he and his 51-year-old wife, a dispensary manager at Brundall Health Centre, were still finding it hard to come to terms with Richard's death.

He said: “We're both up and down at the moment. We had a very bad first few months of this year, both of us suffered a lot.

“But since then we have picked up, and my wife has gone back to work full-time. But some days are better than others.”

The couple are holding a craft and art fair in Richard's memory and to raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance at Brundall Memorial Hall on Saturday, November 4 from 10am to 4pm.

Mr Barrington, 77, who is a retired Royal Observer Corps officer, and also used to be a crossing patrolman at Brundall Primary School, will be exhibiting some of his own artwork at the event, alongside professional artist Richard Wolsey, from Suffolk. A variety of crafts will be available along with a grand raffle, tea and coffee, ploughman's lunch, and cakes.

T Do you think the new DNA research will help police solve a crime which affects you or your family? Ring reporter David Bale on (01603) 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.

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