Former UK cop Martin Barrett killed in alleged Perth CBD coward punch attack remembered as ‘true gentleman’

A former police officer killed in an alleged coward punch attack in Perth’s CBD while on his way home from the pub is being remembered as “the definition of a true gentleman”. Martin Barrett was just metres away from his apartment when Jake Biddlestone allegedly struck him in the head on Hay Street about 11pm last Friday. The 62-year-old fell onto the pavement and was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital with critical injuries where he later died. Mr Biddlestone — who has been charged with murder — is accused of stealing property from Mr Barrett as he lay on the ground, unconscious. The pair were not known to each other. The beloved father was a former intelligence officer with the Hampshire Constabulary Intelligence and Acting Sergeant of Hampshire Constabulary Response and Patrol. The West Australian understands he was a WA Government employee. Long-time friend Justin Palmer said Mr Barrett had a “quiet generosity” and “always put others before himself”. “Martin Barrett was the definition of a true gentleman,” Mr Palmer said. “He was the sort of person who would sit around and listen for hours if someone needed a friend or a kind word. “He meant a great deal to so many people, and his loss is deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. “All those who knew him will miss his smile.” Friend Paul Thorpe said he met Mr Barrett in 2020 after wandering into his local pub and sitting next to a “very well-spoken older English gentleman”. “Basic pleasantries were exchanged, we continued to bond over a couple of beers and way too many mixers,” he told The West. “At the time I did not think that this routine would continue between us both as it did for the next six years.” He said the pair often spoke of their love of football, television and whisky. “It’s going to be strange come this Friday with an empty bar stool next to me,” he said. “Never did I think that when we both went our separate ways that night last week, it would be the final time. “The unlikeliest of friends. I am so glad I got to be a part of (his) life.” Melissa Raftis, who described Mr Barrett as a dear friend, said his death was a “tragedy”. “Martin’s words were always thoughtful and whose stories could hold us captivated,” she said. “He spoke beautifully, offered his wisdom generously, and had a way of making us all feel heard, understood, and loved. “Above all, Martin loved his children deeply. He spoke of them with a devotion that defined him. He was loved by us, and he will be deeply missed. “His death is a tragedy, and we should be outraged that such horrendous (alleged) acts of violence could end the life of our wonderful, kind-hearted and amazing friend.” Police Commissioner Col Blanch expressed his anger over the alleged attack, and described the incident as “really, really sad”. “(Mr Barrett) lived in the city and was just going about his normal business . . . (it’s) just a shocking thing to happen in our city,” he told said earlier this week. “I’m just quite angry about this one, to be honest, because of what happened . . . the individual involved has now been charged.” Mr Biddlestone — who recently moved to WA from Victoria — is accused of stealing from a 41-year-old man earlier in the same evening. He is facing further charges of, aggravated grievous bodily harm, aggravated robbery, stealing and gains benefit by fraud. He has been remanded in custody to face Perth Magistrates Court in April.