Pair found guilty of murder of Joshua Barr in Cambridge

Two men have been found guilty of stabbing a father-of-one to death over a debt owed by his friend.

Tyler Marshall, 19, and Cameron Stokes, 23, murdered 31-year-old Joshua Barr in Cambridge just after 0500 GMT on March 10.

Marshall had operated the so-called “ASBO” drug line in the city and was owed money by a friend of Mr Barr, it was revealed in a four-week trial.

Marshall, of no fixed abode, and Stokes, of Highfield Close, South Glamorgan, were both convicted of murder and are expected to be sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on November 1.

Mr Barr managed to escape the scene of the accident in Carlton Way and call an ambulance, but he collapsed in nearby Ferrars Way.

An hour later he died from the numerous stab wounds he sustained.

“Josh was caring, strong and a fighter. Everyone who met him said he had such a kind soul,” Mr. Barr’s family said in a statement.

“He was a loving son and was loved very much by all of us. He was a ray of sunshine.”

Marshall and Stokes were caught on CCTV driving away from the scene after the stabbing, before later taking a taxi to Cardiff, Cambridgeshire Constabulary said.

Armed police stopped the taxi on its way to the Welsh capital at around 10pm – and they were arrested.

Detective Inspector Katie Dounias, from the Serious Crime Unit, said the murder was a “horrifying reminder” of the devastating impact of knife crime.

“While no verdict can bring Joshua back, we hope today’s outcome provides at least some comfort to his family and friends,” she added.

“Especially his mother and 12-year-old son who continue to cope with his death.”