A six-year mystery has finally been laid bare in Sheffield Crown Court, where the gruesome discovery of Richard Dyson's remains has shocked the community. The 55-year-old's body was found dismembered inside a concrete-filled barrel on a trailer at Alderthwaite Farm, Barnsley – a site eerily close to his former home.
Prosecutors allege that Mr Dyson was shot and killed by Christopher Wright, 73, of Hoyland, who denies murder, preventing lawful burial, and several firearms offences. Karl Schwalbe, 72, of Dike Hill, Low Harley, is accused of perverting the course of justice in relation to concealing the death.
Prosecution barrister Peter Moulson KC revealed that Mr Wright, described as a "dedicated collector" with an extensive arsenal, became enraged after discovering one of his guns had been stolen by Mr Dyson – allegedly sold for personal gain. According to the prosecution, this sparked a deadly confrontation between the two men.
The court heard how Mr Wright called upon Mr Schwalbe, a long-time friend and alleged accomplice, to help conceal the body in the barrel. The pair are accused of conspiring to deceive authorities, repeatedly lying about Mr Dyson's disappearance over six years – misleading police and obstructing the investigation.
Richard Dyson's ex-partner took the stand, recounting how he confided in her before his vanishing that he had discovered a machine gun at Wright's farm and was keeping it hidden to avoid suspicion. The court also learned of Mr Dyson's complex past, including mental health issues and associations with "unsavoury characters," which he kept concealed from others.
Neighbour Ian Ollerenshaw provided testimony about a vintage tractor towing the trailer containing the barrel to his property on 20th November 2019. He had allowed Wright to store it temporarily, but claimed not to have been informed of its contents – stating only "wood and rubbish" were visible through a flap in the trailer.