16/10/06 - Star witness grilled by defence barrister
Essex Evening Echo

The account given by the star witness in the case of police informant's killing does not match up to other evidence, the defence barrister told a court.

Ricky Percival, 27, of Cricketfield Grove, Leigh, is on trial accused of shooting Dean Boshell in an execution style killing at the Manchester Drive allotments in Leigh in February 2001.

He denies the charge.

Damon Alvin, 33, formerly of Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, has been giving evidence against Percival at Chelmsford Crown Court and says he saw him shoot Mr Boshell from behind.

Mr Alvin, who was charged and cleared of the murder, said in evidence that he had seen Percival and Mr Boshell arguing about a stolen handgun on February 27.

He said he saw Boshell covering his face with his hands when Percival shot him and before firing two more shots.

Defending Percival, Andrew Bright QC, questioned Mr Alvin's account of the killing. He said: "The injuries (to Dean Boshell) don't fit your story Mr Alvin.

"That man was hit hard on the back of the head with a blunt object.

"If your story is right there is no way that injury could have been caused by Ricky Percival."

Mr Alvin insisted he was telling the truth and the injuries could have happened before or after he arrived at the scene.

Mr Bright also accused Mr Alvin of "excessive, unnecessary and gratuitous violence" when robbing the Wickford Snooker Club in August 1999.

The elderly owner of the club was sprayed in the face with ammonia, beaten up and threatened at gunpoint.

Mr Alvin admitted carrying out the robbery with Percival, but said he only punched the owner once and did not spray him with ammonia.

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.

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

The trial continues.