Christopher Wright convicted for 2019 murder of Richard Dyson, body hidden in concrete barrel

Christopher Wright, a 73‑year‑old pensioner, was found guilty of murdering 55‑year‑old Richard Dyson at Sheffield Crown Court. Wright shot Dyson after a dispute over a stolen gun and, with the help of 72‑year‑old Karl Schwalbe, concealed the body in a blue plastic barrel filled with concrete on a farm near Barnsley.

The barrel was discovered in July 2025 after police re‑examined Wright’s mobile‑phone records, which showed a call to the owner of nearby Alderthwaite Farm. The farm owner’s diary confirmed Wright had left a trailer on the land for several days. Forensic analysis matched the remains to Dyson, and a name badge bearing Wright’s name was recovered. Investigators also uncovered a cache of illegal firearms at Wright’s property, some of which were linked to the killing. Both Wright and Schwalbe received convictions for murder and related offences, including perverting the course of justice.