Killer Albert Dryden, who shot council worker in front of TV cameras in 1991, dies after release
The 78-year-old was sentenced to life in prison after gunning down planning officer Harry Collinson in 1991.
Tuesday 18 September 2018 14:57, UK
Albert Dryden, who shot a council worker dead in front of TV cameras, has died following his release from prison.
The landowner became notorious in 1991 when he shot dead Harry Collinson, the principal planning officer with Derwentside council, County Durham, during a dispute over an illegally built bungalow in 1991.
He was released from prison in October last year.
Dryden died of a stroke aged 78 on Saturday, according to childhood friend Alex Watson - who was also Derwentside council leader at the time of the shooting.
In June 1991, Dryden opened fire on Mr Collinson and Michael Dunstan, the council solicitor, as they led an operation to demolish a bungalow built on his rural smallholding, in view of TV cameras.
Journalists and council workers fled as Dryden continued to shoot. He fired two further shots into Mr Collinson's heart and brain after the 46-year-old father of two fell wounded into a ditch.
During his trial, he claimed he had been mentally unwell, but the plea was rejected by the jury and he was convicted of murder, as well as the attempted murder of Mr Dunstan and wounding with intent of others at the scene.
Mr Watson, who visited Dryden several times in prison, said he believed he felt deep remorse for the killing.
"He had no quality of life, he had suffered a string of strokes, it was awful to see him in such a state," he said.
"Harry lost his life and the children lost their father, but Albert lost his life as well. He had a burden to carry."
Mr Collinson's brother told local media that he had no sympathy for Dryden, calling him a "bloody murderer".