06/10/06 - Jury hears of triple shooting hit-and-run
Basildon and Wickford Recorder

The man accused of a police informant's murder was also responsible for a triple shooting at an all-night house party, a witness told a court.

Damon Alvin, 33, who was also questioned about the execution-style murder of Dean Boshell at Manchester Drive Allotments, Leigh, took the stand as the star witness to give evidence against Ricky Percival.

Mr Alvin, formerly of Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, who has a long list of convictions, said he had driven Percival to a house in Locksley Close, Southend, in June, 1999.

He told Chelmsford Crown Court: "Percival had his balaclava on and he took a run-up and kicked the front door of the house open.

"Within seconds I heard the shotgun discharge. I started to run back to the car and I heard the shotgun two more times.

"When I was driving away, he seemed excited and I could tell his adrenaline was running.

"Percival was describing how a man had tried to protect himself with a woman and he was saying that he was a coward."

The court was told Percival was arrested on suspicion of the shooting, however, he was never charged.

Percival, 27, of Cricketfield Grove, Leigh, is on trial for Mr Boshell's murder in February, 2001.

Katy Griffiths, 25, of the Fairway, Leigh, and Kevin Walsh, 34, of Shannon Close, Leigh, are also 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.

Mr Alvin, whose evidence is expected to continue into next week, said close friend Mr Boshell used to refer to him as his brother.

He admitted the two of them would carry out burglaries together.

The trial continues.