Man Charged with Murder of Granddad Barry Dawson in South Moor Shooting
A 37-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Barry Dawson, a beloved grandfather fatally shot in his own home in South Moor, Stanley. The shocking killing has rocked the local community.
Kelvin Craig Lawson in Court Over Fatal Shooting
Kelvin Craig Lawson, from Stanley, was charged with Barry Dawson’s murder and appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning. The charge relates to the April 5 shooting that sparked a major police investigation.
Who Was Barry Dawson?
Barry Dawson, 60, was remembered by family as a “much-loved father, granddad, and partner.” He was shot through a downstairs window at his terraced Elm Street home at around 10:45pm. A post-mortem confirmed he died from a single gunshot wound, triggering a murder probe led by Durham Constabulary.
Next Steps: Court Hearing and Bail Decision
Lawson, dressed casually, confirmed his name and address during a brief hearing before District Judge Steven Hood. He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody. His next court date is set for April 14, 2025, at Teesside Crown Court.
No plea is expected soon. The case will move to crown court for trial preparation and bail talks. If found guilty, Lawson faces a mandatory life sentence.
Ongoing Police Investigation and Additional Arrests
Durham Constabulary has launched a large-scale investigation involving 35 detectives, backed by armed units, forensics, and local officers maintaining a strong presence in South Moor.
- A 21-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of murder.
- A 20-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman face charges of assisting an offender.
All remain in custody as inquiries continue. Outside Stanley Police Station, Superintendent Peter Carr called the case “complex and fast-moving.” He said,
“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and are committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding Mr Dawson’s tragic death.”
Residents with information are urged to call 101, quoting incident number 302 of April 5.
