Top Businessman Sir Lawrie Dies Aged 85; SIR LAWRIE BARRATT 1927-2012 Many Were Helped to Buy Homes

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Byline: Rachel Wearmouth ? 0191 201 6477 ? rachel.wearmouth@ncjmedia.co.uk

TRIBUTES have been paid to prominent North East businessman Sir Lawrie Barratt after his death, aged 85. He died at home after a long illness.

Sir Lawrie, who founded housebuilder Barratt Developments, and his wife Lady Sheila Barratt were thought to still be recovering after they were subjected to a terrifying ordeal by three masked raiders two years ago.

The elderly couple were tied up and gagged at their Corbridge home before the men made off with PS100,000 worth of jewellery.

The well-respected businessman established Barratt Developments, today one of the country's …