Courts / Wicklow / Report
"Self pity" in Roy Webster statements to gardai, prosecution tell jury
Summary
In a 2017 murder trial, Roy Webster, aged 40, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Anne Shortall, aged 47, who died on 3 April 2015 after Webster struck her nine times with a hammer. Prosecutor Paul Greene SC argued that Webster's statements to Gardaí after confessing to the killing displayed a "degree of self‑pity," noting that Webster had delayed revealing his involvement until 7 April, lying to Shortall's daughters and to Gardaí over several days. Greene highlighted Shortall's financial difficulties and alleged threats she made to Webster's wife. He described Webster's post‑attack conduct—returning home, drinking, watching television, and later moving the body to his workshop—as evidence of a clear intention to kill. Greene urged the jury to disregard sympathy and find that Webster intended to kill or cause serious injury, thereby supporting a murder conviction. The case was set for trial at the Central Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Self pity" in Roy Webster statements to gardai, prosecution tell jury. 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 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 7 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-03-20 Publication
Why: He explained that the defence can claim that he lost control to the point where he was no longer master of his own mind, and that in such circumstances a verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter can be brought. Defence account reported by CNI
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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