A Polish national has been charged with the murder of a 26-year-old man who was killed “in the most brutal way” at a Bronze Age stone circle in the Peak District during a summer solstice celebration attended by hundreds of revellers.
Isaac Clare-Watts, from Nottingham, was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor, near Darley Dale, in the early hours of Monday 22 June — the morning after the summer solstice. Szymon Babynko, 23, of Commonwealth Way, London, was arrested three days later and has now been charged with murder. He has also been charged with attempted murder in connection with a separate incident on Hady Lane in Chesterfield on 25 June. Babynko has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Derby Magistrates Court.
Isaac was at the ancient landmark as part of a gathering that drew hundreds of people to the site over the solstice weekend, with many camping overnight to mark the longest day of the year. Video footage from the event showed large crowds socialising, dancing and listening to live music. Police have launched an urgent appeal for anyone who attended the event between 19 and 23 June, or who captured photographs or video footage, to come forward as they work to establish the victim’s final movements. A 41-year-old man who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder has since been bailed.
Isaac’s mother Christy paid tribute on social media, writing: “It breaks our hearts to let you all know that Isaac, son and brother, was found dead on Monday morning. Please share like mad, and thank you to those that have shared. We need to know who did this to Isaac.” She added: “We all know he was Isaac the Wonder Boy and that this will upset many. Contact is welcome but please understand we have no words or no answers.”
His employer, West Bridgford building firm Frank Goulding Ltd, where Isaac had worked as a joiner since joining as an apprentice in 2016, also paid tribute. “Isaac was a very popular member of our team and decided last year he wanted to take some time and go and see the world, in particular spending some time in Thailand to develop his Muay Thai skills, which was a passion of his,” the company said. “We are all very saddened to hear the tragic news and our prayers and sympathy go to his family.” Colleagues said Isaac had recently returned from travelling and had hoped to continue exploring the world.
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a Bronze Age monument set high on Stanton Moor, has long drawn visitors during the summer solstice. According to English Heritage, it is traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as punishment for dancing on a Sunday.
