Following his arrest, a former boxer who murdered retired postmistress Una Crown by slitting her throat was recorded bragging about his nickname “The Shovel,” referencing his large hands.
David Newton, 70, believed he had evaded detection for Una Crown’s 2013 murder in Wisbech, Cambs, where she was stabbed and set on fire. However, after 12 years, DNA evidence from Newton was discovered on her nail clippings, leading to his conviction for the crime in February after a trial at Cambridge Crown Court.
The investigation into Una’s murder is featured in an episode of Channel 4’s 24 Hours in Police Custody, highlighting the efforts of Det Supt Iain Moor and his team in bringing justice to Una’s family, as he recounts his commitment to solving the case.
Newton’s behavior in police custody, captured in chilling footage, shows him dismissing concerns about his arrest and asserting his protection of his daughters, linking it to his moniker “The Shovel.” Una was found with fatal injuries in her home, initially overlooked by authorities due to a mistaken lack of suspicion.
Advanced forensic analysis later revealed male DNA under Una’s fingernails, crucial evidence overlooked initially due to mishandling at the crime scene. Detectives meticulously eliminated male relatives from Newton’s paternal line to solidify the case against him, leading to his eventual charge and conviction for Una’s murder.
Newton, found guilty by a jury, entered Una’s residence using a duplicate key, engaged in a fatal altercation with her, and stole money before fleeing. Sentenced to a minimum of 21 years, he faced strong condemnation from the presiding judge for the brutal attack on an elderly woman.
Reflecting on the case, Det Supt Moor acknowledged past investigative errors and apologized to Una’s family for the initial oversights. The role of DNA evidence proved pivotal in securing Newton’s conviction, shedding light on the events leading up to Una’s tragic death.
The documentary detailing the case, 24 Hours in Police Custody: The Cold Case Murder, airs on Channel 4, providing insight into the meticulous investigative process that ultimately brought justice for Una Crown.
