Man who beat homeless man to death in Trafford sentenced to life imprisonment

51-year-old Barry Thomas was a well-known and well-liked member of the community in Trafford who sadly lost his life after a vicious and sickening attack in September 2022.

Today (Wednesday 14 May 2025) Joshua Carroll (06/05/1995) of NFA has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, with a minimum term of 18 years in prison after the conclusion of a trial at Manchester Crown Court.

At around 2.30pm on Monday 12 September, Barry was found unconscious with severe head injuries in Penn Park, off Maher Gardens in Old Trafford before sadly passing away on Sunday 2 October 2022.

The court heard how at around 9.35am on the day of the attack, Carroll was seen chasing Barry along Shrewsbury Street.

Just before midday Barry was spotted heading towards Penn Park carrying a bag and using his bike, it is believed the vicious assault took place shortly after.

Carroll left the park, washing his shoes in a puddle and was later seen riding Barry’s bike.

The 51-year-old was found by members of the public lay on the floor in-front of a bench, they subsequently called the North West Ambulance Service who arrived at the scene and tended to Barry.

It was later revealed that he had suffered several serious injuries including a traumatic brain injury, a broken nose, a fractured eye socket, a laceration to left ear and a laceration to the right eyebrow.

The degree of force needed to cause such an injury was described in court as similar to ‘running to kick a football!’

Numerous media appeals were made asking for witnesses and information, as detectives continued to investigate and identify Barry’s killer. 

Detective Inspector Matthew Hamer from our Serious Crime Division said: “Today’s sentencing demonstrates our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for all members of our community, regardless of their circumstances or how much time has passed since the crime.

“This case had its challenges, but we remained determined throughout with Barry at the forefront of our minds.

“Carroll had the intention of causing Barry some sort of distress that day, by chasing him in the morning, then going on and seriously assaulting him and taking some of his belongings.

“His actions were unacceptable and hopefully he will spend his time behind bars reflecting on what he has done, an innocent man has lost his life and I hope that Barry’s family can find some sort of closure with this sentencing.”