11/12/95 - Statement of WILLIAM HENRY THEOBALD

NAME: WILLIAM HENRY THEOBALD
AGE / DATE OF BIRTH: 49 07101946

Who states:- This statement consisting of 005 pages, each signed by me, is true to the best of my knowledge and belief and I make it knowing that if it is tendered in evidence I shall be liable to prosecution if I have wilfully stated in it anything which I know to be false or do not believe to be true.

DATED: 111295
W H THEOBALD (SIGNED)

I am married and have two children aged 30 yrs and 23 yrs. I own half of the land of White House Farm and the bungalow called "Rowens" which is adjacent to the farm on the main A130 "Main Road" Rettendon. There is approx 11 and a half acres of land attached to Rowens property. About twelve years ago I joined Progress House "Gym" which is in Castle Lane Hadleigh Essex.

I used this gym for the purposes of body building, during this time I met another user of the gym called Tony TUCKER. I have trained with Tony in the past. I've collected him from his house to take him training. I would say in those days I regarded Tony as a friend.

When I knew Tony he was a carpenter living with his wife and I believe two children in Rayleigh Essex. (I cannot remember the address). I am also aware that Tony worked for Nigel BENN (the boxer) and was controlling doormen for various clubs at one time he had a shop in Romford selling body building equipment, he either owned this shop or was the manager.

I remember whenever Nigel BENN was boxing Tony would lead him into the boxing ring. Tony left his wife and drifted away onto other things, I have heard that he became involved in the drug scene although I've never had any personal contact with drugs or ever seen Tony with them. I haven't seen Tony for about ten years to actually speak to, although about five years ago I did pass him on the road in Hadleigh.

We acknowledged one another and then went our own way. (I believe Tony was driving a convertible XJS Jaguar). I'm still a member of the Progress Gym I go at least once a week but I've never seen Tony training. Since those early years. I cannot recall Tony ever visiting my home address or the farm (I've lived here for 30 years) but I'm sure he knew where I lived.

Another friend who I've trained with in the past is a Paul WHEATLEY. Paul was friendly with Tony TUCKER, I was Paul's best man at his wedding. Paul has visited my home on many occasions and I would have assumed that he would have told Tony where I lived. I am also aware of a person called Pat TATE. I may have unknowingly met TATE at the gym but I have friends on Canvey Island who had their car stolen by this man.

I am also aware of the name TATE through car dealer contacts again in the Canvey area. I have never been officially introduced to this man and I am not aware of TATE ever visiting my home or White House Farm. Both my brother Peter and I are competent sporting shooting enthusiasts. We have both shot for England and have been able to introduce this facet of our sport into our lively hood.

We run White House Farm shooting ground which is as follows. The farm has a lake which is used for Duck Decoy and fishing. The farm also contains a pheasant shoot, Peter looks after this side of the business. I run the shooting ground which is separate from the farm and contained in the 11 and a half acres of "Rowens" land. This is a private ground which I supervise and run to give tuition and have a 'Down the line" and "Compact Sporting Set Up".

The shooting ground is set up for sporting smooth bore shotguns. I also have an arrangement where I can supply shotgun cartridges to my customers. I currently stock two types of cartridge, they are "Express" 24 gram seven and a half, colour mauve and The Champion Range from Kent Cartridges sized seven and a half colour red. It is not uncommon for people who use my shooting ground to bring their own cartridges.

I currently only shoot on a Wednesday upto about 1830 hours. On Wednesday 061295 the shooting stopped when it became to dark, I estimate the last shots were fired about 1545 hours. I do have lighting facilities to allow us to shoot after dark but on the above date it was getting cold and the last visitor had an interest in our lakes so we went on to discuss my pond which is beside my home.

I am obviously aware of the shooting incident which occurred on our land just off of Workhouse Lane. The last time I visited this area was on Monday 041200 when I walked across the land and up to Rettendon Hall about 0800 hours when I had a job to do for Mr FAUX the occupier. At this present time I have three over/under 12 bore shotguns and two rifles.

Should the police wish to inspect these guns I am prepared to hand them over. I should also say that having finished shooting on Wednesday afternoon on the 061295 I remained at my home address all evening. I did not hear to see anything unusual.
W H THEOBALD SIGNED

STATEMENT TAKEN PLACE:
TIME:
DATE: 111295
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