Sunderland murderer launches Court of Appeal challenge to get jail term cut

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 the scene after taking cocaine.

Barker, who proclaimed his innocence at his trial and said he was Mr Moon’s “best friend”, was ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years behind bars as part of his life sentence.

Co-accused Brian Goldsmith, 47, of Wayman Street, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, was also convicted of murder and must serve at least 18 years in jail as part of his life term.

Barker has now launched a legal challenge against the minimum tariff imposed on him at the end of last July’s Newcastle Crown Court trial.

It will be heard on Tuesday, February 18, at London’s Court of Appeal.

Barker, 29, denied involvement in the murder after police were called to the 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 three masked men carrying machetes were responsible when he was quizzed by officers.

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.

After the verdicts, Detective Chief Inspector John Bent, of Northumbria Police, said: “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.”