Courts / Wicklow / Report

Family of Anne Shortall shout "Yes" as brutal murderer Webster loses appeal

Summary

In December 2019 the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction of Roy Webster for the 2015 murder of Anne Shortall, a 47‑year‑old mother of three. Webster, aged 42, had been found guilty of murder by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and sentenced to life imprisonment by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy in March 2017. He appealed, arguing that the trial judge had not properly explained the partial defence of provocation and the required intent. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, rejected the appeal, stating the judge's charge was careful and focused. The decision means Webster will continue to serve his life sentence. The case involved Webster's admission that he had used a hammer to strike Shortall nine times on the head after she threatened to expose his affair with her.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Family of Anne Shortall shout "Yes" as brutal murderer Webster loses appeal. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• April 3rd, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 24th, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 20th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 9th Hearing Or Sentence
• April 2 Other
• 2019-12-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report