Man charged with murder as joiner, 26, killed in 'most brutal way' at summer solstice event
A man has been charged with murder after police discovered the body of man who was killed in the 'most brutal way' last week.
26-year-old Isaac Clare-Watts, from Nottingham, was found dead in an area of the Nine Ladies Stone Circle at Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, last Monday (22 June).
Derbyshire Police confirmed today (29 June) that a Polish national has been officially charged after he was arrested on Thursday (25 June) in connection with the incident.
The update said: "A man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a man in the Peak District.
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"We were called to reports of a man’s body being found in the area of the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees at 1.38pm on Monday 22 June.
"Isaac Clare-Watts was declared dead at the scene.
"Szymon Babynko, a Polish national, of Commonwealth Way, London, was arrested on Thursday 25 June in connection with the incident."
It continued: "The 23-year-old has now been charged with murder.
"He has also been charged with attempted murder in relation to an incident in Hady Lane, Chesterfield on Thursday 25 June."
According to Derbyshire Police, Szymon Babynko, who has been remanded in custody, is set to appear at Derby Magistrates Court today.
Last week, police had suggested that investigations were still ongoing after a 41-year-old who was initially arrested was released on bail.
Lead investigator Detective Inspector Tony Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), said on Thursday: "My priority, and that of the team, remains on finding out exactly what has happened to Isaac, and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.
"As part of the investigation we have issued appeals to the public this week asking all of those who were there to come forward and the response we have received so far has been very helpful.
"I’d like to thank all of those people who have been in touch with us so far – we have had hundreds of messages, photos, videos and some really key pieces of information from the public for which we are very grateful.
"We’d still like to hear from anyone who hasn’t yet come forward and who was at the site over the weekend, as well as anyone who captured video footage from there as well as dashcam footage of vehicles arriving or leaving. If you haven’t yet spoken to us please do get in touch.
"While we have arrested one man in connection with this incident, the investigation is still very much ongoing and we are keeping an open mind so information from the public remains key."
Although few details have been released since criminal proceedings are now underway, the police did confirm that Clare-Watts' life was 'taken in the most brutal way'.
"A young man’s life has been taken in the most brutal way so it is vital that myself and the team build up a clear picture of the exact circumstances surrounding his death," Det Insp Owen said.
"This is why we urgently need to speak to everyone who was at the scene over the weekend.
"You may have only been there briefly and think you can’t help but you could hold the key piece of information we need to understand what has happened and help us to get justice for this young man’s family.
"So I would ask, please, that if you attended the event, you contact us urgently so we can build up a picture of the event itself and what has led to this man’s death.
"I also really urge anyone who captured video footage from the event over the weekend to please come forward. You could play a key role in helping us with this murder investigation."
James Moorhouse