Two men sentenced following murder of Joshua Barr in Cambridge
Two men have been jailed today (Friday, 1 November) following the murder of a 31-year-old father in Cambridge.
Tyler Marshall and Cameron Stokes used a knife to stab Joshua Barr in Carlton Way, Arbury, just after 5am on 10 March.
Joshua ran from the scene and collapsed in nearby Ferrars Way where he called an ambulance and told call handlers he had been stabbed and two people had attacked him. He told them he believed he was bleeding from his legs and chest.
Paramedics arrived a short time later and found Joshua with multiple stab wounds to his back. Despite best efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at 6.10am.
Meanwhile, Marshall and Stokes, who were also captured on CCTV cycling from the scene, called a taxi which they picked up in Northfield Avenue. CCTV from the taxi captures them as they drive away to Stretton Avenue.
The pair called another taxi almost 12 hours later which they asked to take them to Cardiff in Wales and they were joined by a third man.
Armed police units from Wales stopped the taxi on route to Cardiff at about 10pm where the trio were arrested.
During the trial, the court heard how Marshall had been running the ‘ASBO’ drug line in Cambridge and was owed money by one of Joshua’s friends.
Today, at Peterborough Crown Court, Stokes was jailed for 22 years and Marshall 16 years.
In a statement, Joshua’s family said: “Josh was caring, strong and a fighter. Everyone that met him said he had such a kind soul. He was a loving son and was dearly loved by us all. He was a ray of sunshine.”
Detective chief inspector Katie Dounias said: “While no verdict can bring Joshua back, we hope that today’s outcome at least provides some form of comfort to his family and friends, particularly his mother and his 13-year-old son, as they continue to come to terms with his passing.
“Joshua was killed in a Cambridge street in daylight. The events of this March day are a horrific reminder of the lasting devastation that knife crime can cause in our communities. It affects victims, their family, friends, the community, and those who carry, store and use dangerous weapons.
“Tackling violence, knife crime and county lines drug dealing continues to be one of our top priorities in Cambridgeshire and we’re working with the local authorities, school and other key partners on a daily basis but it is not something police and the courts can do alone.
“We urge parents, guardians and young people themselves to help reinforce the message that if you are caught carrying a knife, you are reducing your prospects and risking prosecution and of course, tragedy.
“I’d urge anyone, of any age, to think before they consider carrying a knife, whatever the reason.
“If you know someone who is carrying a knife, come forward and tell us so we can take appropriate action.”
Anyone with information about someone carrying a knife is urged to report it to police online or call 101. In an emergency always call 999. For more information about knife crime, visit the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website.
