Exclusive: Killer Boxer Filmed Boasting About 'The Shovel' Nickname After Murdering Widow
In a chilling new television documentary, former boxer David Newton has been captured on camera boasting about being called 'The Shovel' following his arrest for the murder of 86-year-old retired postmistress Una Crown. The 70-year-old, who thought he had evaded justice for over a decade, was finally found guilty in February after a two-week trial at Cambridge Crown Court.
Cold Case Breakthrough Through DNA Evidence
The case, which had remained unsolved for 12 years, saw a dramatic breakthrough when advanced forensic techniques revealed male DNA under Una Crown's fingernails. This crucial evidence was preserved because her hand was clenched in a fist beneath her body, protecting it from the fire that had been set after her death. Detective Inspector Lee Martin remarked in the programme that it seemed as though Una had guarded this evidence, waiting for it to be discovered.
Initially, bungling police officers failed to treat Una's death as suspicious, despite visible wounds and multiple fires in her Wisbech bungalow. This grave error led to the loss of vital forensic evidence when relatives were allowed back into the house. Prosecutor John Price described this oversight as a significant misjudgment during the trial.
Newton's Arrest and Boastful Remarks
Footage from Channel 4's 24 Hours in Police Custody shows Newton in a police cell after his arrest. When asked by a female producer if he was worried, he replied with a smirk, stating, "No. What's going to happen is going to happen. I've told them the truth of what I know." He then chuckled while explaining his protective nature towards his daughters, saying, "No one touches them. That's why they call me The Shovel, the size of my hands."
Una Crown was discovered on January 13, 2013, with her throat slit, stab wounds to her chest, and her clothing ablaze. Newton had entered her home using a copied back door key, confronted her, and stole £80 after the murder. On the day following the killing, he was seen spending freely, including playing fruit machines at a local club, despite being on benefits at the time.
Justice Served After Prolonged Investigation
After matching the DNA to Newton, detectives had to meticulously rule out all male relatives in his paternal line to build a robust case. He was charged with murder in 2024, and the jury returned a guilty verdict by a majority of 10 to two after nearly 30 hours of deliberations. Sentencing him to a minimum of 21 years, Mr Justice Neil Garnham condemned the attack as "a ferocious and sustained knife attack on a defenceless old lady."
Detective Superintendent Iain Moor of Cambridgeshire Constabulary acknowledged the mistakes made during the initial investigation, offering apologies to Una's family. The documentary, airing over two episodes, follows Moor and his team as they secure justice and closure for the victim's loved ones, highlighting the perseverance required in cold case investigations.
