Man jailed for 26 years after brutal murder of "much-loved" dad stabbed to death

A man has been told he must spend at least 26 years in prison for the murder of Gary Hindle in Westcliff. Gary was just 53 when he was attacked by Barry Mooney in Hamlet Court Road at around 6pm on Thursday July 18.

CCTV showed that in the moments leading up to the attack, Mooney and Gary had had a short conversation, possibly an argument. Mooney got up from the bench, where they were both sitting, walked over to a nearby tree, and got out a large knife before attacking Gary with it. Gary sustained injuries to his face and back and, sadly, died at the scene.

Shortly after, Mooney also attacked another man who happened to be walking through Hamlet Court Road at the time. He was taken to hospital and his injuries are life-changing injuries to his face. Mooney stayed at the scene, sitting on a bench still holding the knife until officers pulled up in a police car.

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Despite being told to drop the knife he refused, and officers had to taser him and were then able to arrest him. While in custody, Mooney made threats towards officers and admitted he had carried out the attack. Fifty-five year-old Mooney, of Crowstone Road, Westcliff, was charged. At Basildon Crown Court on Thursday November 28, he admitted murder and GBH with intent and was jailed for life and told he would not be eligible for parole for at least 26 years.

Following his death, Gary’s family paid tribute to him: “We are all shocked and devastated by the loss of our much-loved son, dad, brother and partner. He has been taken from us in such a tragic way and it's something no family should ever have to go through. Gary was one of a kind and had a heart of gold. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by the many people who loved him dearly.”

Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell, who led the investigation, said: “My thoughts, and those of my team, are with Gary’s family today, and the other victim in this case. Over the last few months they have experienced unimaginable pain and I am just pleased we have been able to hold Barry Mooney accountable for what he has done.

“This was a horrific, unprovoked attack that has had the most tragic of consequences. No court result or sentence will ever bring Gary back but I hope this will help his family move forward.”