Man charged with murder after Welsh pilot found dead

Steven Barrett

A man has been charged with murder after a Welsh pilot was found dead in his Edinburgh flat over the weekend.

Steven Barrett, 27, originally from Kenfig Hill, near Bridgend, was found dead in Lochend Butterfly Way in the early hours of Saturday.

Mr Barrett had recently left the RAF and is understood to have been working as a first officer for budget airline Flybe out of Edinburgh Airport.

Police in Scotland said a 23-year-old man had been charged and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

Mr Barrett attended Cynffig Comprehensive School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree at Swansea University.

While at university he became an active member of the University of Wales Squadron.

He was then selected to go to Cranwell to begin training to be a pilot with the RAF, graduating as a flying officer in 2007.

From Cranwell he went to RAF Wynton and later to Linton-on-Ouse, successfully completing the Basic Jet Training Course.

He was presented with his wings, achieving the title Flight Lieutenant Stephen Barrett Bsc (Hons) RAF in 2009.

Following the news of his death, friends posted tributes on the internet.

A message from the Rest Bay Lifeguards Club – which Mr Barrett used to a member of – read: “Steven was a member in our junior section for several years.

“He went on to achieve his dream and worked as a pilot.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”

While Hywel Davies wrote: “This is really sad news.

“I have a happy memory during one of the junior training sessions before we did risk assessments of Steven breast stroking out through 8ft surf much faster than I could get out front crawl (I was trying to catch up to tell him to return to shore).

"Gareth Law was doing backstroke at the same speed.

“I remember Steven as an awesome athlete and him and his brother Stuart were most valued club members.

“My thoughts go out to his family.

On Twitter Sara Orwin said: “Can't understand why you were taken from us so soon and so young.

“You were a great guy, Steven Barrett #restinpeace.”

And Georgiana Browne wrote: “RIP Baz! You will be sorely missed by us all.”

Story and Photo:   http://www.walesonline.co.uk