Man sentenced to life in prison for murder of Suffolk dog walker
Roy Barclay subjected Anita Rose to "numerous kicks, stamps and blows"
Last updated 6th Aug 2025
A man who murdered a Suffolk grandmother on her morning dog walk in a "vicious and brutal attack" while he was living off-grid to avoid recall to prison has been sentenced to life, with a minimum of 25 years.
Roy Barclay, 56 and of no fixed address, subjected 57-year-old Anita Rose to "numerous kicks, stamps and blows" as she walked her springer spaniel Bruce in Brantham on July 24th 2024.
The mother of six was found by passers-by but died in hospital four days later.
Barclay, who denied murder but was found guilty following a six week trial at Ipswich Crown Court, was sentenced at the same court today (Wednesday 6th August).
"Our communities need protecting"
Ms Rose's eldest daughter, who gave her name as Jess, said after Barclay's conviction last month that "criminals cannot remain at large".
"There's too much at stake and our communities need protecting," she said.
She continued: "We need to make sure that our communities are safe and that people are monitored, that criminals are taken back to prison when they break the terms of their probation."
Barclay had previously been convicted and jailed over a 2015 attack on a pensioner.
Prosecutors said this bore similarities to the attack on Ms Rose.
He'd been released from prison in February 2020 but had not been living at a fixed address.
At the time of his attack on Ms Rose he had been wanted on recall over a breach of his licence conditions.
Suffolk Police said there would be a review of information-sharing processes.
Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC earlier told the court that Barclay "lived mostly in the countryside, wandering the fields and lanes, sleeping in various makeshift camps".
"He lived off-grid because for two years, Roy Barclay had been unlawfully at large," said Mr Paxton.
"He had been on the run trying to avoid the police and authorities to try and avoid being recalled back to prison."
Previous incidents
Jurors were told that Barclay had previously pleaded guilty, over a separate incident in 2015, to grievous bodily harm with intent over an attack on an 82-year-old man in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex.
The pensioner, Leslie Gunfield, had told Barclay that he would inform security about him going through rubbish bins at a Co-op supermarket, the court heard.
Mr Gunfield was left with serious injuries to his head and required 10 titanium plates for fractures he suffered after being attacked by Barclay.
He was found with a dog lead wrapped around his foot, which the prosecution said was similar to the way Ms Rose's body was found, with a dog lead "tightly" wrapped around her leg.
"Deceitful and violent"
Following sentencing on Wednesday, Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick, the Senior Investigating Officer of the case, said “Anita Rose was subjected to the most shocking and violent attack on the outskirts of her village whilst she was alone and vulnerable on her early morning dog walk.
“This was an extremely challenging and complex investigation requiring the skill and dedication of police officers and staff across all departments within Suffolk Constabulary, and beyond, to identify the offender and to build a comprehensive case against him to secure his conviction.
“This result would also not be possible without the professionalism and commitment of the Prosecution Team.
“Roy Barclay was a deceitful and violent man who lived off grid in solitude. Three days after the attack he left Anita’s phone in Ipswich, enabling it to fall into the hands of others. Whilst causing a distraction and diverting significant resources, this ultimately led to his downfall with further CCTV being obtained capturing his actions.
“Our thoughts remain with Anita’s partner, children and grandchildren who have endured an unimaginable year and have been forced to sit through weeks of painful evidence at trial. I hope todays sentencing brings a measure of justice to them all.
“Lastly, I would like to thank the Brantham community. As part of our investigation we spoke with over 3,000 people living and working in the area and have received nothing but support from them to help catch and convict the murderer and restore the normal sense of safety to the village.”