20/10/06 - Detective 'offered to lose evidence for cash', court told
Essex Evening Echo

A detective offered to "lose" evidence in return for cash during on-going investigations, a murder trial was told.

Fresh allegations of corruption against Det Sgt John Moran emerged at Chelmsford Crown Court, where Ricky Percival is on trial for the execution-style murder of Dean Boshell in February 2001. Percival denies the charge as well as perverting the course of justice.

Damon Alvin, the main witness in the case, alleged Mr Moran, who was based at Rayleigh major investigation team for six years, was taking bribes from Percival in return for information on the progress of the investigation.

Mr Alvin, 33, formerly of Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, said Moran had met Percival in Spain. He said Percival, 27, of Cricketfield Grove, Leigh, had offered him the chance to find out information about any police inquiry.

He said all he needed was a name and date of birth and he could find out about any investigations.

He claimed Percival said he also offered a substantial amount of money for evidence to be lost'. He said the officer suggested he could lose evidence and they were discussing a figure.

The trial continues.