Inquest rules Iron Acton grandad Barry Rubery was unlawfully killed (From Gazette Series)

Inquest rules Iron Acton grandad Barry Rubery was unlawfully killed

4:48pm Monday 23rd January 2012 in Yate and Sodbury news By Alexandra Womack

AN inquest into the death of Iron Acton grandfather Barry Rubery has found the 68-year-old was unlawfully killed.

Avon coroner Maria Voisin said she was sure, beyond all reasonable doubt, that Mr Rubery did not die of natural causes.

She said: "Whoever did this awful act had the malice of forethought.

"I am sure beyond all reasonable doubt that the appropriate verdict is unlawful killing."

Pathologist Dr Hugh White told the court Mr Rubery had died from severe head injuries.

The inquest heard that Mr Rubery was found face down with his arms tied behind his back, and his ankles and wrists bound with electric flex, in the conservatory of his home, Crossing Cottage, on Latteridge Road, on the morning of April 29, 2010.

He had been out for a Masonic Lodge meal the previous night and was still wearing his black dinner suit.

DC Gwen Bevan said police had found blood marks outside the house which indicated Mr Rubery’s body had been dragged from the path into the house.

Despite an extensive investigation, including 511 witness statements and a Crimewatch reconstruction, police still have no suspect for the murder.

Outside court, Mr Rubery’s daughter Julie said in a statement: "This verdict comes as no surprise, bearing in mind the circumstances in which our father was found.

"Someone out there knows what happened and who is responsible for our father’s death. Please help bring those persons to justice."

For our full report see this Thursday's Gazette.