Anthony Pryke's killer behind bars after 25 years

Buy photos » Mark Masefield is finally behind bars for the killing of Anthony Pryke. s

MARK Masefield has begun an eleven-and-a-half year jail sentence for causing the death of his friend, 17-year-old Anthony Pryke, and dumping him in a drain at his Chelmsley Wood home 25 years ago.

Masefield, 43, of no fixed abode had earlier pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to the manslaughter of 17-year-old year old Anthony Pryke, whose body was discovered in the main storm drainage system of his home in Chelmsley Wood in December 1987.

Anthony had been reported missing in August 1987 and his body was found by workmen clearing the drainage system in the back garden of the address some months later.

The case has always remained open and last year was subject to intensive scrutiny by the West Midlands Police Major Investigation Review Team, which specialises in investigating historical and cold cases.

As part of the review, Masefield, who was a close friend of the family, was re-interviewed twice by detectives but denied having anything to do with Anthony's death. However in July 2011, Masefield rang the team and confessed to hitting Anthony with an iron bar following an argument and hiding his body in the drain.

Speaking out after Masefield was jailed Anthony's brother David and sister Caroline said they finally had closure on their dear brother's death and tey hoped Anthony could now rest in peace knowing his killer is behind bars.

"As a family still in grief after almost 25 years, we are satisfied with the manslaughter sentence given to Mark Masefield. We also understand why a charge of murder has not been pursued.

"The way Anthony was killed and the disrespectful way his body was hidden for months in a manhole is heart wrenching.

"Masefield could have saved us years of trauma if he had taken responsibility for his crime earlier.

"This is not about the sentence but about finally getting justice for Anthony and also for clearing the name of his brother David who some had blamed for Anthony's death.

"We would also like to say thank you to the police officers involved in this case and for bringing Masefield to justice. Without them we would still be searching for answers.

Glenn Moss from the Major Investigation Review Team added: "This was a tragic case which the family of Anthony have had to cope with for 24 years.

"It goes to show that we do keep unsolved crimes open; reviewing them on a regular basis and doing everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

"The last 25 years have been incredibly traumatic for Anthony's family and I hope that they can now find some solace and closure following today's sentencing."