Courts / Wicklow / Report

Accused went home for dinner, fell asleep in front of TV after beating woman to death, trial hears

Summary

In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, 40‑year‑old Roy Webster of Ashbree, Wicklow, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Anne Shortall, 47, who died on Good Friday, 3 April 2015, at The Murrough. Webster admitted striking Shortall on the head with a hammer three or four times after she threatened to inform his wife about a prior affair. He claimed he had no intention to kill her, describing the act as a panic‑driven response to her threats. After the assault, he drove to a Centra shop, called his wife, returned home, ate dinner, and fell asleep in front of the television, claiming life returned to normal. He later discovered Shortall's body in his van, taped her, and moved her to his workshop. A pathologist's report later confirmed she was not pregnant and had been struck nine times on the head. The case proceeds before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused went home for dinner, fell asleep in front of TV after beating woman to death, trial hears. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Anne Shortall (47) on Good Friday April 3, 2015 at The Murrough, Co Wicklow. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• Friday April 3, 2015 Other
• April 7, 2015 Other
• Christmas Incident
• 2017-03-14 Publication

Why: " and he responded: "I hit her because she was threatening my family and my livelihood. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report