Courts / Wicklow / Report
Woman sought €5k from murder accused for abortion, jury hears
Summary
A woman sought €5,000 from the man now accused of her murder for an abortion, the Central Criminal Court heard today. The prosecution alleges that Anne Shortall was killed by Roy Webster following a dispute over a pregnancy and a prior sexual encounter. Webster, aged 40 from Ashbree, Ashford, Co Wicklow, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter on April 3, 2015 at The Murrough, Co Wicklow. His plea was not accepted by the State. During evidence, a witness testified that he received a message in late March 2015 requesting €5,000 for an abortion, intended for another man named Steven Armstrong who knew both Ms Shortall and the accused. Ms Shortall's daughters told the court she left her home without her phone or cigarettes on Good Friday, which they found unusual. Text messages indicated she was to meet someone associated with Ashwood Kitchens at a local pub, but she did not return.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman sought €5k from murder accused for abortion, jury hears. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Anne Shortall (47) on April 3, 2015 at The Murrough, Co Wicklow. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 3, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- Thursday April 2 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-03-09 Publication
Why: She said it was unusual that her mother would go out on Good Friday because her social life revolved around the local pubs, which were not open. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Anne Shortall (47) on April 3, 2015 at The Murrough, Co Wicklow (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- to Emma at Wicklow Garda Station
- Wicklow
Topics
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