11/10/06 - ‘Offered £100,000 to take murder rap’
Essex Evening Gazette

A man accused of murder offered an associate £100,000 to take the rap for him, a jury was told.

Damon Alvin told Chelmsford Crown Court Ricky Percival had offered him the cash if he'd admit murdering police informant Dean Boshell in.

Percival, 27, of Cricketfield Grove, Leigh, denies Mr Boshell's murder at the Manchester Drive allotments, Leigh.

Last September, Mr Alvin was in the dock charged with murder, with Percival accused of perverting the course of justice. Mr Alvin was cleared, after he agreed to testify against Percival.

Mr Alvin has previously said he saw Percival shoot former Basildon man Mr Boshell, 26.

Yesterday he said Percival offered money to keep his mouth shut and stand trial.

He said: "He had that sort of money from the years that he had been dealing drugs."

Mr Alvin, 33, formerly of Rushbottom Lane,

Benfleet, also told the court during his trial last year, Percival ordered his brother, Danny, to try and bribe witnesses and jurors.

He said: "His brother was going to approach members of the jury with the intention of bribing them."

Mr Alvin claimed Percival had also tried to bribe a witness, CJ McLaughlin, not to testify.

Percival also denies perverting the course of justice, conspiracy to steal, attempted murder, two firearms possession charges and robbery.

The case continues.