Gavin Moon murderer Luc Barker loses bid to have jail sentence reduced

Luc Barker was one of two men convicted of stabbing Gavin Moon to death in the sitting room of the property in Trafalgar Road, Sulgrave, Washington, before emptying his pockets and fleeing after taking cocaine.

Barker was ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years behind bars as part of his life sentence whileco-accused Brian Goldsmith, 47, of Wayman Street, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, was told to serve at least 18 years in jail.

Newcastle Crown Court was told that both “callous and selfish” killers used a knife to attack Mr Moon following a lunchtime row.

Now Barker has learned that his minimum term will remain after his legal plea to have it reduced was refused at London’s Court of Appeal.

A full explanation behind Tuesday’s decision is expected to be published later.

Barker, 29, denied involvement after police were called to his flat the day after dad-of-two Mr Moon was attacked on January 7, 2019.

A neighbour had raised the alarm after Barker had confided in them that his flatmate was dead.

He initially claimed to police that three masked men carrying machetes were responsible.

But detectives became suspicious when Barker refused to hand over his mobile and clothes to help inquiries.

He was arrested with investigations soon leading officers to his accomplice.

Goldsmith, whose girlfriend was related to Barker, claimed a row about drugs was the “flashpoint” and that he must have stabbed Mr Moon in self defence.

Mr Moon was said in court to have started taking and dealing drugs after breaking up with his long-term partner in 2016.

He moved in with friend Barker and helped nurse him following a brain injury.

Detective Chief Inspector John Bent, of Northumbria Police, labelled the pair “callous and selfish” and added: “Throughout the trial whilst insisting his innocence, Barker portrayed himself as a ‘best friend’ of Mr Moon when clearly his actions had been so heartless, leaving the victim inside the flat and not summoning assistance for 24 hours.”