BRIAN FIELD'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN DORKING AND SOLIHULL: 33 YEARS LATER, A CHILD MURDER SOLVED

In a chilling case that spanned over three decades, Brian Field, a 65-year-old man from Solihull, West Midlands, was finally brought to justice for the brutal murder of a young schoolboy named Roy Tutill. The tragic events unfolded in 1968, but it was only recently that the long-standing mystery was solved, leading to Field's life imprisonment.

Roy Tutill, a 14-year-old student at Kingston Grammar School, disappeared on April 23, 1968, after leaving school at approximately 3:30 pm. Known affectionately as 'Tutts' among his friends, Roy was last seen attempting to flag down a car in Chessington, near his home in Brockham Green, a village close to Dorking, Surrey. His disappearance sparked a widespread search, but it was not until three days later that his body was discovered in a copse at the entrance to the estate of the late press baron Lord Beaverbrook at Mickleham, Surrey. His clothing, including his distinctive red and grey striped blazer, was neatly folded across his body, indicating a tragic end.

Details of the crime revealed that Roy had been abducted while hitchhiking, a decision driven by his desire to save money for a new bicycle. The young boy was subjected to a horrifying sequence of events, including sexual assault and strangulation. Court testimonies confirmed that Roy was strangled from behind with a rope, and the assault was described as violent and relentless, with Roy convulsing and gasping for air until he succumbed. After the murder, Field, who was divorced and living in Solihull, returned to his wife and newborn baby, hiding the evidence of his crime in the trunk of his white Mini car.

Field's arrest came after a small DNA sample was matched to him during a routine stop for drink-driving in the Midlands. This evidence proved crucial in linking him to the 33-year-old murder, which was believed to be the longest period between a crime and its resolution in British history. During the trial at the Old Bailey, Field pleaded guilty to the murder, acknowledging that he had killed Roy in a moment of panic. His defense argued that the act was impulsive, but the overwhelming evidence, including forensic findings, painted a different picture.

Judge Gerald Gordon sentenced Field to life imprisonment, emphasizing the devastating impact of his actions. The judge expressed that the murder of Roy Tutill had haunted his family for decades and that the consequences of the crime would continue to affect them. He also highlighted the cruelty of the act, noting that Field had sought to destroy the only evidence against him by strangling Roy, only to be ultimately proven wrong after 33 years.

Legal representatives and police officials underscored the significance of advancements in forensic science, warning that such progress leaves no hiding place for sexual and violent offenders. Wendy Joseph QC, representing the prosecution, detailed the brutal nature of the crime, stating that Roy was strangled with a rope and sexually assaulted before his death. Adrian Fulford QC, defending Field, claimed that the killing was a result of panic, and that Field had carried a terrible secret for many years.

Detectives believe that Brian Field may have been responsible for other crimes, given his previous convictions for attacking boys and his reputation as one of Britain’s most dangerous paedophiles. Authorities are now examining other unsolved cases, including the mysterious disappearances of David Spencer, aged 13, and Patrick Warren, aged 11, who were last seen in Chelmsley Wood near Solihull on Boxing Day 1996. These cases are under renewed investigation, with police considering links to Field’s possible involvement.

Additionally, the inquiry into the death of 15-year-old Mark Billington, found hanged from a tree near his home, has been reopened. His parents had always suspected foul play, and authorities are exploring whether Field’s criminal activities intersected with these unresolved cases.

Brian Field’s criminal history includes previous convictions for attacking boys, and his status as a dangerous offender has been reaffirmed by police. Detective Chief Superintendent David Cook stated outside the court that Field’s guilty plea confirmed his dangerous nature and posed a significant threat to society, especially to young boys. Police continue to appeal for any potential victims or witnesses from the past 30 years to come forward, hoping to uncover further details about Field’s possible involvement in other crimes.

As the case concludes, authorities in the West Midlands and Surrey are coordinating efforts to investigate possible links between Field and other unresolved cases, including the deaths and disappearances of children in the areas where he once lived and worked. The tragic story of Roy Tutill remains a stark reminder of the importance of forensic science and persistent investigation in bringing justice to victims of heinous crimes.