Police still searching for killer of grandfather Barry Rubery (From Gazette Series)

Police renew appeal as inquest into death of Iron Acton grandfather Barry Rubery is held

8:00am Thursday 26th 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.

But police still have no suspect for the murder, which happened nearly two years ago.

Det Con Gwen Bevan told Avon Coroners’ Court on Monday: "We have carried out an extensive police investigation including forensics, CCTV analysis, extensive house-to-house inquiries and a second post mortem.

"No suspect has been identified and the investigation is still continuing. Mr Rubery was subjected to a sustained and violent attack by unknown offenders for which there was no apparent motive."

The inquest heard how 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.

The grandfather-of-six, who lived alone but had a partner, Sandra Gold, had been out for a meal at a Masonic Lodge the previous night and was still wearing his black dinner suit. There was no sign of forced entry to the house.

DC Bevan said earlier that evening Sandra and her daughter had visited Crossing Cottage to put the chickens away and both had noticed an upstairs bedroom window was open and the curtains were partially closed, which they thought unusual.

Pathologist Dr Hugh White, who attended the murder scene, told the court Mr Rubery had died quickly from severe head injuries.

He added: "There was obviously the scene of an assault outside the cottage and in the conservatory there was a large pool of blood. There were several bloody footprints and a number of drag marks outside, consistent with an initial assault outside the house and then being pulled back into the conservatory."

He said analysis of Mr Rubery’s fingernails suggested the retired farm labourer had fought back.

Avon coroner Maria Voisin described the murder as an 'appalling tragedy'.

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."

Outside court, Mr Rubery’s daughter Julie said it was ‘very difficult’ to hear the details of how her father had been found.

In a statement, she and her brother Philip said: "It has been almost 21 months since the body of our father was found at Crossing Cottage.

"This verdict comes as no surprise, bearing in mind the circumstances in which our father was found.

"We would like to thank all those who have helped in the investigation so far and use this opportunity to further appeal for information.

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

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.