22/10/06 - Losing evidence for cash claims
Essex 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.

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: "I became aware that this officer (Moran) had met Percival at a bar in Spain and there were photographs of this meeting between Moran and Percival.

"I found this out in the exercise yard in Chelmsford Prison, when I was with Kim Webber and Percival.

"Webber was telling us he had seen the photographs, but Percival said it wasn't true."

Webber had been involved alongside Mr Moran in running Basildon United Football Club. Webber, 48, of London Road, Leigh, was jailed last year for his part in the supply of amphetamines and cannabis.

Mr Alvin told the court Percival, 27, of Cricketfield Grove, Leigh, had offered him the chance to find out information about any police inquiry he was interested in.

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

"Percival said he also offered a substantial amount of money, I don't know how much, for evidence to be 'lost' and for him to be supplied with the names of police informants.

"The officer suggested he could lose evidence and they were discussing a figure."

Percival denies murder, as well as 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.