All you need to know about the police probe into the death of Frederick Burge and what happens next

By Laura Linham 12th Mar 2023

It's been almost two weeks since the body of 89-year-old Frederick Burge was discovered in his home in George Street, Glastonbury.

Since then, there's been a huge police presence in the town, tributes and a number of arrests.

Here's what you need to know about the investigation to date, and what happens next.

Sunday February 26th

The police cordon in Glastonbury

Police are called to a property in George Street, Glastonbury, at around 12.30pm on Sunday 26 February where a body has been found.

Monday February 27th

The death becomes public knowledge on Monday afternoon, when police confirm they believe there has been a murder, and they have arrested a 41-year-old man. There is initially some confusion about the victim's age, with police initially reporting that he was 89-years-old, then issuing a correction to say that he was 88. A further correction places Mr Burge's age at 89.

A cordon remains in place while enquiries are carried out, including a forensic examination of the scene. Officers are seen carrying out searches of nearby food waste bins, drains and ponds.

A Major Incident Public Portal is created to enable people to upload information via the website. Details can also be provided by calling 101 and quoting reference number 5223050314. Alternatively, Crimestoppers will take reports anonymously online or on 0800 555111.

Wednesday March 1st

Police confirm Mr Burge's name for the first time and announce that the 41-year-old initially arrested has been released on bail. Police confirm they are checking CCTV footage and will be carrying out extra patrols in Glastonbury to provide reassurance. Police continue to carry out searches in the town, focusing on the area around the by-pass.

Mr Burge, a former landlord at The Fairfield (now the King Arthur) was last seen on Saturday 25 February at around 8.10am walking his Jack Russell dog along Northload Street and High Street.

He leaves behind two children, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild

It is confirmed that a cause of death has been established, but they are not yet releasing the information for 'operational reasons'.

Friday March 3rd

Police announce a second arrest in their investigation - a 49-year-old man. They renew their appeal for information, saying:

They want to hear from anyone who: 

  • Was in the George Street area of Glastonbury on the weekend of 25-26 February.
  • Saw or spoke with Frederick over that weekend.
  • Saw or heard anything suspicious in the area around this time.

That evening, a huge police presence is seen on the Glastonbury by-pass, with an area close to Tin Bridge Roundabout taped off. Forensic officers and police dog units are seen at the scene.

Mr Burge's family release a tribute to him, saying he was a "loving, kind and charming man and a huge hole has been left in our hearts by his sudden passing."

Saturday and Sunday, March 4th &5th

The two men previously arrested on suspicion of murder are both released, without charge. Police spend both Saturday and Sunday at the Market Cross handing out leaflets and appealing for information.

Throughout the weekend officers are in the Market Place, speaking with members of the public and handing out witness appeal leaflets in the Market Cross area to seek further witnesses.

Police remain at the site off the town's by-pass until Sunday afternoon, although officers are seen walking along the footpath along the by-pass, checking under signs and in the hedgerows and ditches.

Monday March 6th

Police announce that a 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Wednesday March 8th

Police confirm that their presence on the Glastonbury by-pass was related to their investigation into the murder of Mr Burge, but decline to comment further for 'operational reasons'.

They confirm that the 44-year-old arrested, James O'Connor, from Hilltown in Dundee, Scotland, has been charged with murder.

Thursday March 9th

James O'Connor, 44, from Hilltown, in Dundee, Scotland, appears in Yeovil Magistrates Court earlier but did not enter a plea.

Mr O'Connor has been held in custody to appear at Bristol Crown Court the following day (Friday, March 10.)

Friday March 10

James O'Connor's application for bail is denied by the crown court.

What happens next?

He is next due back before Bristol Crown Court on April 5th, when he is expected to enter his plea in relation to the charges against him.

You can expect very little more reporting on this case as it works its way through the legal system. This is because during 'active' cases, the media - and anyone else - cannot publish anything that carries a substantial risk of serious prejudice to proceedings.

Prejudicing a trial can cause it to collapse, as the jury may be deemed unable to deliver a fair verdict - at great cost to the court (and therefore the British taxpayer) and those responsible for publishing the information can find themselves jailed, or even imprisoned.

     

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