Norton man jailed for life after the murder of 'well known and liked' Staithes man
The Scarborough News· 571 words · 3 min read
Owen has today (Monday March 23), been jailed for life, to serve a minimum of 16 years and 110 days.
Owen pleaded not guilty on August 8 last year but was later found guilty by a jury at Leeds Crown Court on February 20, 2026. His co-accused, who was also charged with murder, was found not guilty.
On March 14, 2024, Julian's brother contacted police after finding Julian in his living room, laid down on the floor. Julian had two black eyes and had a small cut to the top of his head. His brother believed he had been on the floor for a total of 14 hours.
At this point Julian was able to name Owen as the person who assaulted him repeatedly and struck him over the head with a lamp. He was then taken to hospital where he sadly failed to make a recovery and passed away three weeks later on April 4, 2024.
The investigation found that Owen had attacked Julian on the evening of March 13, 2024, left him on the floor and went on the run.
Police Staff Investigator Paul Thompson, of Scarborough and Ryedale CID said: "Callously, Julian was left lying on the floor overnight, alone and unable to move.
"Understandably, this incident has had a traumatic effect on both Julian's family and the local community of Staithes.
"Julian was well known and liked, and his death will leave a lasting impact on the local tight-knit community."
CCTV footage was found showing Owen, on March 14, hiding from police near the scene, peering out now and again to see what was happening, whilst officers worked at the scene.
After a large scale man-hunt, Huw Owen was located in April 2024 and arrested for murder.
Despite Julian's medical vulnerabilities and pre-existing conditions, there was found to be a direct and substantial link between the head trauma and Julian's death.
Medical experts concluded that Julian had been unlawfully killed.
Victim Personal Statements (VPS) read out in court by the prosecutor gave a full view of the impact Julian's death had on his family.
Julian's brother said: "I knew something was wrong as I found his door unlocked but was shocked at what I saw. To see him unable to move and helpless was beyond upsetting.
"I can still hear his voice, and it saddens me to think that I will never be able to see him or speak to him again.
Julian's mother said: "I don't think a day has gone by, since his death, that I have not cried at his loss and the way he was killed.
Julian's nephew said: "Not having him in our lives this last two years has felt like walking in a dark hole. Not being able to climb out of that hole, my heart is and always will be shattered and incomplete. Like that of my extended family."
The senior investigating officer for this case, Detective Chief Inspector Tim Bentley, said: "This has been a complex murder investigation - a long and difficult case to investigate due to Julian's poor health prior to the assault, but I hope today's result offers some comfort to Julian's family that justice has been done, and that they can now move forward the best they can."
"The complexity of this case cannot be underestimated and I would like to commend PSI Paul Thompson for his diligence throughout. My thoughts remain with Julian's family."