4.2 Three additional suspects
The broader investigation has identified three additional suspects. Due to the initial focus on Neale Anderson, only preliminary information about these people has been gathered so far.
Person 1: Costi Spiliopoulis, 47 years old and of Greek origin
- Costi is known to be very actively involved in supporting his community, being a voluntary leader at a local day care centre for youths with head injuries.
- He is the owner of a tree surgery business called Treegreen Landscape Services.
- A neighbour reported that a white, flat-backed van had been seen in the area of Leonard’s house around 10 February and in the week prior to that date. Two youngish lads with hoodies were seen leafleting the neighbourhood for Treegreen Landscapes, but some neighbours reported that the lads looked to be eyeing up properties on the road and had, on some occasions, parked up but not dropped leaflets. Calling the number on the leaflets put the police in touch with Costi Spiliopoulis who confirmed he is the business owner.
- In an initial statement, on the evening of the murder, Costi claimed to have been picking up medical supplies for the day care centre from a hospital in a neighbouring town, but could not provide details of anyone who witnessed him doing this.
- Costi was happy to provide a volunteer buccal sample (a method of obtaining DNA using a swab of the inside of the cheek).
Person 2: Mick Brough, 35 years old and of British origin
- Neighbours report that Mick’s visits to Leonard are to offer support with tasks he is finding harder to manage given his deteriorating health. When entering Leonard’s house he often takes in groceries in bags from ASDA.
- Mick’s work comprises casual labour – working cash in hand as a builder’s labourer for a variety of different builders in the local area.
- Mick has been seen visiting Leonard in the fortnight running up to the murder (dates uncertain). He is the brother of Leonard’s ‘girlfriend’ Anita, who is 32 and often goes by the name ‘Nita’.
- Mick drives an Audi A5.
- Mick has previously served time in prison but in the last 5 years has not come to the attention of the police.
- In an initial statement, Mick claims to have been at home watching TV at the time of the murder. He states that Anita can confirm this as she was also there.
Person 3: Dorek Bosko ‘Polski’, 25 years old and of Polish origin
- Dorek was not happy to provide a volunteer buccal sample. He does not have official immigration status in the UK and claimed he does not want his DNA to be recorded in case it affects his application for citizenship.
- Dorek describes himself as a local odd-job man. He works cash in hand and has an advert in the Post Office window, as well as adverts online via Facebook for his services. He came over from Poland five years ago.
- A neighbour witnessed Dorek going into Leonard’s house with a tool kit and a Henry hoover on 8 February 2020. The neighbour reports that Dorek had been to the property several times in the week preceding that date, although cannot remember the exact times and days of most of the visits. Dorek appeared to be working there. The neighbour remembers seeing Dorek on 8 February as he drives a distinctive small orange van, which had partially blocked his own drive on the Saturday morning. The neighbour approached Dorek on Saturday morning as he left Leonard’s house to complain about the van blocking his drive, and Dorek had not made eye contact, but had said ‘Go fuck yourself’, and had spat on the floor.
- The neighbour knows Dorek’s name as they both drink in the same local pub on a Friday evening. The neighbour reports that Dorek is a heavy drinker, and always drinks alone. He regularly plays the slot machine in the pub.
- In an initial statement, Dorek admits to having been at the house on 8 February but claims that was his last visit. He also denies having sworn and spat at the neighbour. At the time of the murder he was at his usual local pub, but did not speak to anyone there other than the bar staff.
You have now had a chance to read the existing information about the new suspects.
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