Convicted Killer David Austin Dies Behind Bars
David Austin, imprisoned for life over the chilling 2004 murder of Charlie Butler in Dagenham, has died. The Prison and Probation Ombudsman confirmed Austin passed away on December 1 due to a thrombotic stroke. Originally from New Addington, south London, Austin died while serving his sentence.
The Dagenham Murder That Shocked London
Charlie Butler, a notorious wheelclamping firm owner with a shady reputation, was shot near his home in Dagenham in October 2004. Though he survived the initial attack, Butler fought for life over nine agonising months before succumbing to his injuries.
The case remained cold until 2006 when CCTV footage aired on BBC’s Crimewatch stirred new leads. The grainy video showed Butler stepping out of his Range Rover late at night, only to be hunted down and shot after stumbling.
Two Men Nabbed After Crimewatch Breakthrough
- Lee Johnson named as the gunman
- David Austin caught as the getaway driver
Viewers of the Crimewatch broadcast recognised the suspects and tipped off police. At trial, it surfaced that Johnson was allegedly hired by Butler’s wife and step-daughter—though neither faced charges.
Legal Drama, Conspiracy, and a £6 Million Collapse
The twisted case was described as “a conspiracy theorists’ dream,” packed with sex, violence, blackmail, celebrity scandal, and betrayal. Multiple trials collapsed, including a costly 2008 fiasco when the House of Lords quashed key evidence from anonymous witnesses, costing taxpayers £6 million.
After three trials, both Johnson and Austin were finally convicted and handed life sentences with minimum 30-year terms.
Austin died at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, closing a dark chapter in one of London’s most notorious murder cases.
