The first photograph of Christopher Wright has been released following his conviction for the murder of Richard Dyson, a former lodger whose remains were hidden in concrete for nearly six years.
Conviction and Charges
Wright, 73, was found guilty after a lengthy trial at Sheffield Crown Court. He was convicted of murdering Dyson, who disappeared in November 2019. In addition to murder, Wright was found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, preventing a lawful burial, possession of a prohibited weapon, two counts of possession of a prohibited self-loading gun, possession of a firearm without a certificate, possession of a shotgun without a certificate, and possession of ammunition without a certificate.
His accomplice, Karl Schwalbe, 72, of Dike Hill, Rotherham, was also found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, as reported by Yorkshire Live.
Discovery of Remains
Richard Dyson, 55, was reported missing by his daughter Bethany after he failed to meet her in November 2019. His remains were eventually discovered on a property on Broadcarr Road, Barnsley, in July 2025. Wright killed Richard before contacting his long-standing friend Schwalbe, who was captured on CCTV arriving at Wright's home, Parkside Cottage, where he remained for approximately an hour.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that both men were interviewed in the months following Richard's disappearance but denied any knowledge. A fresh examination of Wright's mobile phone in July 2025 revealed that he had telephoned the owner of nearby Alderthwaite Farm three days after Dyson was last known to be alive. A written diary entry from the farm's owner confirmed that Wright had requested to leave a trailer at the farm for a few days. He never returned to collect it.
When officers attended Alderthwaite Farm in July 2025, they uncovered a blue plastic barrel filled with concrete concealing human remains. Forensic specialists confirmed the DNA matched that of Richard Dyson. A name badge bearing Wright's name was also recovered from the trailer.
Firearms and Evidence
Further investigation into Wright's background established that his firearms licence had been revoked in 2016. Despite this, he continued to hold onto the weapons. Analysis of the firearms found at his address revealed they matched the type used to kill Richard. Bank card records indicated he had purchased materials from a local building supplies shop between Richard's disappearance and Wright's visit to Alderthwaite Farm.
Jamie Barton, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: "For six years, Richard Dyson's loved ones were left without any answers about what had happened to him. Despite Christopher Wright's persistent attempts to thwart police investigations and cover up his crimes, we were able to work with South Yorkshire Police to gather evidence and present it in court to expose his guilt."
Barton added: "Wright brutally murdered Richard Dyson, and then enlisted his lifelong friend to help cover his tracks. Schwalbe may not have pulled the trigger, but his lies and actions were part of a deliberate attempt to stop justice ever being delivered."
He continued: "This was a complex case, which relied on a combination of phone records, CCTV, forensic science, firearms evidence and covert recordings to prove to the jury what Wright and Schwalbe had tried so hard to conceal. The CPS worked closely with police to bring that evidence together and show the jury how events before and after Mr Dyson's disappearance fitted together."
Barton concluded: "I am pleased that both men have finally been held accountable for their roles in Richard Dyson's death and the years-long cover-up that followed. Our thoughts remain with Mr Dyson's family."
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, who headed the investigation, stated: "Richard's family and loved ones have endured an unimaginable wait for answers and clarity and my thoughts remain with them. No one deserves to lose their lives at the hands of someone else, and the impact of this tragedy has been felt by those who loved him every single day."
Knowles added: "Throughout this long investigation, Bethany and Richard's wider family have shown extraordinary strength by attending court every day and listening to heartbreaking evidence, testimonies and defence. No verdict can erase what they have been through, but I hope it brings them a measure of clarity and the first steps towards healing. They have carried a burden no family should ever have to bear."
He concluded: "Today, we remember Richard."
