??/??/07 - New book to lift lid on Essex underworld

SHOCKING details that emerged during an 11-week murder trial will be explored in a new book by a former gangster turned author.

Ricky Percival was found guilty in December of murdering Dean Boshell at the Manchester Drive allotments.

Author Bernard O'Mahoney, who wrote the book Essex Boys about the Rettendon murders in 1995, plans to investigate claims made in the trial, among them that former Detective Sergeant John Moran was taking bribes from suspects.

At Chelmsford Crown Court, Percival was sentenced to 26 years in prison for the 2001 killing and three attempted murders in 1999.

He has lodged an application to appeal against his conviction and sentence.

Mr O'Mahoney said he wanted to write the book to explore information that was never revealed in court.

He said: "There are some parties who don't wish it to be published and others who are desperate to give the incidents it covers oxygen.

"I am writing the book because I believe that a lot of information was withheld from the jury and the victims.

"Supergrasses are being used too often to clear up crimes that they have either committed themselves or been party to. The end result is that any convictions secured by this means are at best questionable and the supergrasses used escape justice."

Damon Alvin, 33, formerly of Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, who was the main prosecution witness in the Percival trial was sentenced to five years in prison for crimes he admitted during police interviews.

Mr O'Mahoney is a former member of the notorious Essex Boys gang who has written two books about the Rettendon killings. He now lives in Birmingham. The book will be published after any decsion has been made on Percival's appeal.