Man jailed for life for murder

A man has been jailed for life for murdering 30-year-old Tommy Barton in Ryde.

Police were called to Dover Street in the early hours of the morning on Sunday 28 May where Tommy was found lying in the road with stab wounds to his chest.

A member of the public, supported by police, provided first aid assistance until the ambulance arrived, but after continued life-saving efforts by the ambulance service, Tommy was pronounced dead.

Following an investigation, Cameron Baker, 28, was charged with murder.

A jury at Winchester Crown Court heard that Tommy attended an address in Park Road to confront Baker as part of an ongoing dispute, before he was stabbed in the street.

Tommy then staggered to Dover Street where he collapsed.

Baker, formerly of Leed Street in Sandown, denied the murder but was convicted at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday 7 December.

Appearing at the same court for sentencing today (Tuesday 12 December), he was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 21 years.

During today’s hearing, emotive victim impact statements from Tommy’s family were read to the court.

Tommy was described as a caring, kind and thoughtful person who was funny, loud, warm, vibrant, and loved by many. The court heard that he loved his life, his daughter, and his family.

After passing sentence, The Honourable Mrs Justice Sara Cockerill DBE commended the members of the public who came to Tommy’s aid and tried to save his life on the night he died.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Douglas, senior investigating officer for the case, said: “This tragic incident paints the very stark reality of the immeasurable pain and suffering caused by knives and weapons.

“Tommy Barton was a young man who was killed in a senseless and despicable act of violence.

“My thoughts remain with Tommy’s family and all who knew him.

“This investigation involved a large number of police officers and staff who worked tirelessly alongside the prosecution team to seek justice for Tommy and his family.

“Cameron Baker will now spend a considerable length of time in prison as a result of his actions that night.

“Knives completely destroy lives, and we urge communities to keep reporting information to us around knife crime, and those who carry weapons.”