Funeral held of murdered father-of-three

The funeral has been held of a father-of-three from Cheshire who was allegedly beaten to death by a gang of youths.Saturday Night Fever was played at Christ Church, Padgate, Warrington, for 47-year-old sales manager Garry Newlove, who was a part-time DJ.Mr Newlove died of head injuries on Sunday, August 12, which were sustained when he confronted teenagers outside his home on the Friday night.Three youths, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and Adam Swellings, 18, have been charged with the murder and are remanded in custody with a trial due to take place in November.Mr Newlove's devastated wife Helen, and three daughters Zoe, 19, Danielle, 16, and Amy, 12 wept and were comforted by relatives.The death of Mr Newlove, who had earlier survived stomach cancer, sparked a national debate about restrictions on the sale of alcohol.The Chief Constable of Cheshire Police, Peter Fahy, called for the legal age for drinking to be increased to 21.He later said under-age drinking was a child protection issue and parents who refused to take action should face tougher sanctions through care proceedings and the criminal justice system.In church, Gounod's Ave Maria was sung by a soloist in an echo of Mr and Mrs Newlove's wedding 21-years-ago.Reverend Cannon Stephen Attwater, Rector of Christ Church, said: "When Garry died three weeks ago the light went out for Helen and Zoe, Danielle and Amy."For Garry was central to their lives. He was a loving, caring, devoted family man and there is no doubt that he will be sadly missed."Garry enjoyed meeting people. He was very much the life and soul of the party. He had a great sense of humour, and he was a part-time DJ, working with his friend in clubs in Manchester at the weekends."Fifteen years ago Garry suffered from stomach cancer. He fought the disease with characteristic bravery. At that time his health was of great concern and his amazing recovery made him into what his sister-in-law calls 'a walking miracle'."Above all, Garry was a dedicated family man. He loved Helen and the girls. Indeed, he was also their personal taxi."And so there is a tremendous amount to thank God for when we reflect upon Garry's life."The poem Footsteps was read at the request of Mrs Newlove's sister, Marie, and at the end of the service, Bee Gees hit Night Fever, was played.The service was followed by a private cremation at Walton Lea Crematorium.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

ITN | September 3, 2007

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