Szymon Babynko, a 23-year-old man from Abbey Wood, London, is set to stand trial later this year accused of murdering 26-year-old Isaac Clare-Watts at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District. The death occurred during a summer solstice event on June 22.
Court Appearance and Charges
At a Derby Crown Court hearing on July 1, Babynko appeared via video link from HMP Nottingham, confirming his name but not entering pleas. Judge Shaun Smith KC scheduled the trial for November 23, though prosecutor Sarah Allen noted this date “might be optimistic,” with a backup date of March 8, 2027. Babynko also faces charges of attempted murder from June 25 and possession of an offensive weapon from the same date, both alleged to have occurred in Chesterfield. He was remanded in custody until September 25, when he is expected to enter pleas. His defense solicitor, Steve Cobley, did not apply for bail.
Incident and Investigation
Emergency services were called to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees on June 22, where Mr. Clare-Watts, from Arnold, was pronounced dead shortly after 1:30 pm. The incident followed the celebration of the summer solstice at the Bronze Age site on June 21. Derbyshire police stated that Babynko, a Polish national, was arrested on June 25 and charged with murder, as well as attempted murder related to an incident in Hady Lane, Chesterfield, on the same day. A 41-year-old man arrested in connection with the death has been released on bail.
Victim Background and Tributes
Isaac Clare-Watts worked as a joiner at Nottingham-based Frank Goulding Ltd, completing his apprenticeship and becoming a skilled joiner. He left the company late last year to travel abroad, including a stay in Thailand to develop his Muay Thai skills, and had recently returned to the UK with plans to continue traveling. In a statement, his former employer said: “Isaac was a very popular member of our team… We are all very saddened to hear the tragic news and our prayers and sympathy go to his family.”
Police Appeal
Detective Inspector Tony Owen from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, leading the investigation, urged anyone who attended the summer solstice event to come forward. He said: “A young man’s life has been taken in the most brutal way… You could hold the key piece of information we need to understand what has happened and help us to get justice for this young man’s family.” He also appealed for video footage from the event. Anyone with information can contact Derbyshire Police on 101, quoting incident reference 26*364216.
