10/10/06 - Cop 'gave info to murder suspect'
By David Giles
Basildon and Wickford Recorder

A corrupt policeman sold information to a suspect in a murder inquiry for thousands of pounds, it was sensationally claimed at a murder trial.

Det Sgt John Moran gave information to Ricky Percival about the police inquiry into the death of Dean Boshell, star witness Damon Alvin told Chelmsford Crown Court.

Percival, 27, of Cricketfield Grove, Leigh, is now on trial for Mr Boshell's murder at the Manchester Drive allotments, Leigh, in February 2001.

Mr Alvin said Percival had come into contact with Mr Moran, former chairman of Basildon Football Club, through mutual friend Kim Webber, the club's former vice-chairman.

He told the court: "In late 2002, I became aware that Percival was receiving information from a police officer.

"The officer had agreed to meet Percival and gave him bits of information, confirming that he was under surveillance.

"This officer would provide information on witnesses and how the investigations were doing."

Mr Alvin said in late 2002, Percival told him he had been given information that surveillance had been transferred from him to Mr Alvin.

He said: "He told me he had just met a policeman. I don't know how much was paid that time, but at the first meeting, £4,000 was passed over.

"At this point I wasn't aware of the officer's name. I found out later though a mutual friend that it was Det Sgt John Moran."

Mr Moran worked for the Rayleigh-based major investigation team for about six years before retiring on a full pension in July 2003.

Mr Alvin also told the court he watched Percival shoot Mr Boshell, of Elmsleigh Drive, Leigh, from behind, on February 27, 2001.

The court heard Mr Alvin, Mr Boshell and Percival planned to carry out a burglary on a cannabis factory in Chelmsford that night.

He said before the job, Percival had accused Mr Boshell of stealing a handgun he kept at the allotment site.

Mr Alvin, 33, formerly of Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, said: "Percival began questioning Boshell about the whereabouts of this handgun. He basically accused Boshell of taking it."

Mr Alvin, who was originally charged with the murder, told the court the pair had continued arguing, so he offered to get a torch to help look for the gun.

He said: "Percival and Boshell were a fair distance away from me and I could see that Boshell had his hands up to his face.

"I saw Percival standing behind Boshell. Boshell started to take steps towards me. I heard a bang and a flash and then saw Boshell crumple to the floor. I saw him drop to the floor and heard a shot ring out. I never saw the gun itself."

Mr Alvin said he ran away when Percival started walking towards him.

He added: "I wasn't sure what his intentions were towards me, so I turned and ran.

"As I ran, I heard a further two shots. I didn't know whether they were being fired at me or not."

Katy Griffiths, 25, of the Fairway, Leigh, and Kevin Walsh, 34, of Shannon Close, Leigh, stand alongside Percival, accused of perverting the course of justice.

All three deny the charges.

Percival also denies perverting the course of justice, conspiracy to steal, attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence.

The trial continues.