Murder trial told of texts bid ‘to cover up crime’
THE trial of a husband accused of murdering his wife’s lover by shooting him dead before destroying his body has heard evidence about text messages sent between the trio.
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 prosecution’s case is that 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 when he discovered messages on her iPad.
On October 5 a text from Jones to his wife read: “I do trust you but I do
falter. Please come back to me and be mine again.”
On October 18 there were numerous searches carried out by Jones on devices of “covert camera shop” and “UK spy gear”, the court heard.
On November 11 Mr O’Leary sent text messages to himself, using different handsets, to test his messages were going to the correct phones.
There was also an exchange between Mrs Jones and Jones on November 11.
Mrs Jones wrote: “I have not done anything wrong honestly.”
Jones responded: “I can see why you didn’t tell me but keep messages for me to see in future. I can’t believe how easily you lied to me in the past.”
On December 6, a text message was sent from defendant Andrew Jones to his wife saying: “I love you so much. You and Mike must be having a giggle about this issue. You can’t stand the sight of me and just want him. It would be better if I just disappeared.”
That month there were internet searches by Jones which read: “Hunting shops near me.”
The court also heard a dialogue between Michael O’Leary’s secret phone and Rhiannon Jones’ secret phone, which was allegedly in her husband Jones’ possession on January 27.
The prosecutor said after Jones was arrested he 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 in Carmarthen, denies murder.
The casecontinues.