Double murder suspect 'commits suicide' in prison cell

Leo Barnes was accused of killing two pensioners and was due to be cross-examined on Friday.

11:58 27 January 2015

Leo Barnes, a man who is accused of killing two pensioners, has been found dead in prison.

Due to be cross-examined on Friday, he was found hanging in his cell at HMP Hewell in Redditch on Sunday morning.

Barnes previously denied the allegations and told the jurors that he only witnessed the assault on his alleged victims; Cynthia Beamond, 80, and Philip Silverstone, 67. He said that the intruder was a Polish man who went “absolutely wild” after a sexual encounter.

One of the victim’s daughter, Beverley Hadley said: "We are devastated as a family that the man we believe is responsible for the brutal murder of my beloved Mum is not going to face justice for this horrendous crime.

"On Friday 27 June 2014 my life changed forever when my Mum and best friend went missing.

"Without Mum, every day of our lives is painful and empty.

"Every day I wake up thinking about her and believing that this whole nightmare is just a dream, but then the realisation hits me over and over again.”

Police said that Barnes’ death is not being considered suspicious.