Accused ‘can’t remember’ why he made 21 calls
A DRUG dealer accused of arranging an attack which saw a 22-year-old die has told jurors he disposed of two mobile phones because he “was scared and panicked”.
Perrie Dunwell is one of three men who deny murdering Shafiul Islam in 2019. Mr Islam was found lying bloodstained and motionless in a cupboard in a house in Newport.
He died six days later with a postmortem examination ascertaining he suffered fractures to the skull as well as bleeding and swelling to the brain.
Dunwell, 33, of Cold Mill Road in Newport, is accused of arranging the attack and driving his co-defendants – Euan Peters and Conlan Dunnion – to Tewkesbury Walk.
Peters, 42, is accused of using a Kopparberg cider bottle to hit Mr Islam on the head, while Conlan Dunnion, 23, of Maesglas Avenue, Newport, is accused of letting Peters into the victim’s flat.
The prosecution say the motive for the alleged murder was robbery.
Yesterday, a trial at Newport Crown Court, heard evidence from Dunwell – who told the jury he could not remember why he called his brother multiple times on the day Mr Islam was attacked.
Previously, the jury has been told Dunwell’s brother David Allen was arrested on suspicion of Mr Islam’s murder before being released without charge.
When quizzed about the 21 phone calls Dunwell said: “He is my brother.”
“It could be something silly. They are only a few seconds some of the calls. It could by anything.
“I honestly can’t remember.”
Caroline Rees QC, for Dunnion, asked Dunwell the meaning of a text message he had received that read “fat raise to be had”.
Dunwell replied: “It means something to steal, drugs or money. It would be a quick earner. It is obvious in the circles of life that I live.”
“Were you interested?” asked Ms Rees. “Yes, I admit I was,” added Dunwell. However, he denied Peters had mentioned anything about a “fat raise” shortly after in a phone call while Dunwell was still in the car.
“He just said come to Chilly’s (Mr Islam’s),” added Dunwell.
Peters has previously told the court he and Dunwell began looking for someone who owed a debt to the latter, and they had later picked up Dunwell’s brother Mr Allen.
Peters also told the court he had travelled to Newport to record a podcast about rap artists but after the recording he was picked up by Dunwell, but claimed a “fourth man” was responsible for causing the fatal injuries to Mr Islam.
However, in his evidence to the jury, Dunwell denied there was a “fourth man”.
“Conlan Dunnion had no idea Mr Islam was going to be subjected to violence that night did he?” said Ms Rees.
“None of us did. Well, not me or Conlan,” replied Dunwell.
“There was a fourth person that came from that flat?”
“That is what you say,” said Dunwell. “Do you agree?” asked Ms Rees. “No,” he replied.
All three defendants deny murder. Dunnion and Dunwell have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to rob, but Peters has pleaded guilty to that charge.
The trial continues.