Justice 18 years later - family of Brian Waters release statement as fugitive killer convicted

The family of a man who was tortured and murdered almost two decades ago say they 'never gave up hope' after the last of four of his killers is found guilty.

Cannabis farmer Brian Waters was beaten and suspended upside down during the attack at Burnt House Farm in Tabley, Cheshire, in June 2003 over a drugs debt.

Now 18 years after the brutal killing, Christopher Guest More jr has been convicted of his murder at Chester Crown Court.

More, who was arrested in Malta after 16 years wanted by police, is one of four men who will spend time in prison for killing Mr Waters.

The victim's family say they have felt the pain of their 'loving' husband and father's death for almost two decades, and have released a statement after the conviction of More.

Full statement

We are delighted with the guilty verdict and pleased that Christopher Guest More Jr is finally facing justice for his part in the horrific murder of a loving husband and father.

We would like to thank detectives from Cheshire Constabulary, the prosecution team and everyone else involved in the case for all of their hard work and tireless and extensive investigations, which now span more than 18 years. 

We would also like to extend our thanks to the Family Liaison Officers for their help, advice and support over the years.

What happened at Burnt House Farm on 19 June 2003 has had a significant and long-lasting effect on our family. 

We will never be able to forget events of that day and, even now, more than 18 years down the line, we feel the pain on a daily basis with constant flashbacks.

We have remained a close-knit family and have provided much-needed support to each other – but this has been an isolating experience for us and not only have we lived in fear of reprisals we have also struggled to trust others as we normally would.

It’s similar to the feelings people have experienced in the current Covid crisis – not being able to leave their home and having to stay inside to feel safe.  We have been living like that for more than 18 years.

But we never gave up hope and the verdict today marks the end of an incredibly painful journey in our lives.  We would now ask that our privacy is respected and we are left alone as a family as we try and move forward with the next chapter.