Man found guilty of brutal knife murder 31 years after being acquitted

A MAN has been found guilty of a murder and attempted killing, 31 years after being acquitted.

Rickie Tregaskis, 53, was cleared of knifing 59-year-old Barbara Griffin to death in 1990 and the attempted murder of her aunt Emma Anton, 85.

But following a change in the law in Jersey, where the crimes took place, his 1991 acquittal was overturned and he was retried.

The Royal Court heard Tregaskis stabbed Barbara in her ground floor flat in St Helier as she tried to save Emma from also being knifed.

Emma survived but Barbara received a fatal wound to her heart.

After the change in the law, Tregaskis, already serving life for another murder in 1997, was finally brought to justice for the 1990 attacks.

He will be sentenced on June 28.

Speaking after the verdict, Deputy Chief Officer, Stewart Gull, said: “I would like to firstly commend the family of Barbara and Emma who have supported officers through both the initial investigation, and this second re-trial.

“They have demonstrated courage, grace and immense dedication in securing justice for their loved ones.