Courts / Wicklow / Report
Roy Webster acting "completely normal" on evening he beat Anne Shortall to death, trial hears
Summary
Roy Webster, aged 40, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death of Anne Shortall, aged 47, on Good Friday 3 April 2015 at The Murrough, Co Wicklow. The Central Criminal Court heard that Webster beat Shortall to death with a hammer after she threatened to inform his wife of a prior affair. Shortall's body was found tied with tape in Webster's van. A statement by Carmel Phibbs, a friend of Webster's wife, described Webster as "acting completely normal" that evening, noting he had shown his wife a cut from tiling work and later claimed a woman was missing while helping Gardaí. Detective Sergeant Fergus O'Brien noted Webster's cooperation after his admission. Text and call records between Webster and Shortall from 25 March to 3 April were presented, showing Shortall demanded £6,500 for an abortion and threatened to expose their affair if the money was not paid.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Roy Webster acting "completely normal" on evening he beat Anne Shortall 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 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 3, 2015 Other
- March 25 Other
- April 3 Other
- 2017-03-16 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Anne Shortall (47) on Good Friday April 3, 2015 at The Murrough, Co Wicklow (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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