Expert gives evidence on firearms at murder trial
THE trial of a husband accused of murdering his wife’s lover by shooting him dead before destroying his body has heard evidence from a ballistics expert.
Andrew Jones is charged with the murder of missing Carmarthenshire 55-year-old Michael O’leary. Prosecutors say the defendant lured Mr O’leary to a farm before shooting him dead and then concealing his body.
The trial also heard police evidence where Jones told a detective he considered Mr O’leary to be a good friend.
Forensic scientist Ben Southall, of the National Ballistics Intelligence Service, gave evidence about two guns and bullet casings which were examined at the laboratory where he works.
Mr Southall was questioned on the sound produced by the weapons and variations of sounds emitted.
He said both weapons, if fitted without a sound moderator, would normally produce 135 to 140 decibels with a comparison being the sound of a car backfiring. With a sound moderator it would produce around 110 to 115 decibels.
In answer to questions drafted by the jury, Mr Southall said: “Weather conditions can play a factor. Variables such as wind are known to affect the sound.”
Mr Southall was asked about the defendant Andrew Jones’ claims that he fired two shots into the ground when at Cyncoed Farm with Mr O’leary.
Mr Southall was asked whether the bullets were recovered and if the shotgun slugs would have stuck in the Tarmac or ricocheted elsewhere.
He said: “There were no bullets submitted to the laboratory for examination. I am unaware of the existence of any bullets.
“The slugs would have penetrated soil but a lead bullet would not have penetrated Tarmac. Where it would have ended up is variable.”
Prosecutor James Wilson read out a statement to the jury by detective constable Rhian John.
She explained she attended Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen to speak to defendant Andrew Jones about the disappearance of Mr O’leary. Jones was at A&E to be with his wife Rhiannon, who had been admitted.
The statement heard how Jones told the officer he was aware Mr O’leary was missing and his vehicle being located and that police were out looking for him. He said friend Clinton Morgan was arranging a group search for him.
He said he considered himself to be good friends with Mr O’leary and had been on his son’s stag do in Amsterdam.
He claimed he last saw him from a distance on January 25 as he dropped his wife and daughter off at Nantgaredig Rugby Club for a ladies’ night.
The trial is now into its second week at Swansea Crown Court. The prosecution’s case is Mr O’leary was shot and killed and that a forklift was then used to move his body.
Mr O’leary was reported missing on the evening of January 27 after he failed to return to his Nantgaredig home from work and his whereabouts remain unknown.
William Hughes QC, prosecuting, told the jury the alleged murder had been planned carefully with the defendant also taking steps “to cover up or destroy evidence of the crime, in particular Mr O’leary’s body, in an attempt to hinder the police investigation”.
The court heard Mr O’leary’s family reported him missing after his wife and three sons received a text message, apparently sent by his mobile telephone, which read: “I’m so sorry x”.
On March 14 this year a piece of human tissue of a small intestine was discovered inside a rusty oil barrel being decanted at Jones’ address by police during a search of the property. It matched the DNA profile of Mr O’leary.
Mr Hughes said the defendant’s wife had been having an affair with Mr O’leary, which Jones became aware of in September 2019.
Mr Hughes said after he was arrested Jones told police investigators Mr O’leary died in a “tragic accident” during a confrontation. Mr Hughes said Jones claimed there was a “scuffle” between the two men which led to Mr O’leary being shot in the head. Jones is said to have claimed the bullet went through his chin.
Mr Hughes said: “He says he does not know who caused the firearm to discharge. If he did cause it, he said, he did so accidentally. Mike died instantly and the defendant panicked.”
Jones, 53, of Bronwydd Road, Carmarthen, denies murder. The trial continues.