Burglars jailed for 36 years
by Adrian Wills- last updated Wed 11 Apr 2012
Four men have been jailed for the manslaughter of Julian Gardner Photo: Sussex Police
Four men who were part of a gang of burglars who crushed a businessman to death on his farm in Robertsbridge have been jailed for 36 years.
Brothers Terrence and Marcus Bristow, both from Great Chart, near Ashford were both jailed for 11 years for the manslaughter of Julian Gardner.
Accomplices Lee Delay, from Tunbridge Wells and Paul Dunn from Cranbrook were each jailed for seven years.
They were part of a seven-man gang who targeted the farm belonging to Julian Gardner in October 2010.
He was killed as he interrupted the gang as they ransacked his property.
The 52-year-old was found dead dead by his business partner less than 100 yards from his home at Bush Barn Farm off the A21 near Robertsbridge several hours after the burglary.
Today at Lewes Crown Court, Judge Anthony Scott-Gall told Marcus and Terrence Bristow that they had been prime movers in the burglary. They were convicted yesterday of manslaughter,
Lee Delay and Christopher Leek, from Cranbrook, were described as the foot soldiers in the gang. Delay was also convicted of manslaughter.
Leek was sentenced to four-and-a-half years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
The yard at Bush Barn Farm where Julian Gardner's body was discovered Credit: ITV Meridian
Two other men Oliver Payne from Tunbridge Wells was jailed for three years for conspiracy to commit burglary and Terrence Dunn from Sandhurst was jailed for 18 months for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Chris Leak, Oliver Payne, Terry Dunn were convicted of related offences Credit: Sussex Police
The family of Julian Gardner gave their reactions to the sentencing outside Lewes Crown Court.
Julian's mother, Molly Gardner and sister, Anna Murphy said in a joint statement: "Thanks to the justice system of this country those responsible for this appalling crime have now been found guilty which as far as we're concerned was the only possible outcome.
"Those criminals now convicted appear to have shown no remorse for their actions. All those present that night bear responsibility and must live with Julian's death on their conscience forever.
"They know that they will eventually be released from their sentence. However, we as Julian's family will never be released from our sorrow."
Julian Gardner's family gave their reaction outside court Credit: ITV Meridian
Our Julian was above all a good and decent man who worked hard all his life. Before he had the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the results of his lifetime's work, these men who have been convicted felt they had the right to steal all that Julian had worked for but succeeded only in robbing him of his life."
Joint family statement from Molly Gardner and Anna Murphy
all info taken from itv meridain 11/04/2012