James Witham has admitted manslaughter but denies murdering 28-year-old council worker
Ashley Dale 's killer has been branded a "liar on a staggering scale" who was "doing the bidding of those who control him" when giving evidence to the jury.
“That this happened against a feud relating to the supply of heroin, crack cocaine and other drugs may have sickened you. Those emotions do not answer the question of who bears responsibility. "He knew that his own position in this trial was hopeless on the evidence, he sought to do the bidding of those who control him. Amidst his self pity and in his repeated attempts to state that innocent men were in the dock, he did nothing but show the dynamic among the defendants is exactly what the prosecution claim it is and further the case that each is guilty.
"In short, Lee Harrison and Niall Barry had a major beef, a major dispute, dating back three years or so. That dispute was reignited by the events at Glastonbury, which unleashed Niall Barry. "Which of those explanations is correct? We suggest that a series of factors demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that the position of the prosecution is correct and the position of the defence is nonsense and lies."
Mr Greaney also pointed towards the defence statements of the accused, with one submitted by Witham in August this year having initially denied any involvement in the incident. He said: "In considering whether the defendants’ account that the attack on 40 Leinster Road was down to a dispute between James Witham and Lee Harrison, please bear in mind that that account is entirely dependent on evidence from the defendants, and in particular James Witham.
The court heard that, at around 11.40pm on August 20 2022, two men approached Ashley’s white Volkswagen T-Roc car - which was parked outside the house - and slashed its tyres, causing the alarm to sound, in an effort to "lure" the occupants out. But it is thought Ashley believed the alarm had been set off by heavy rain and did not leave her house.
Ashley Dale Killer Liar Evidence Jury Knowsley Council Murder
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