UK - Ashley Dale, 28 fatally shot at home, Liverpool - 21 Aug 2022

[ElizaKate]

Woman, 28, shot dead in the back garden of house

Council worker Ashley Dale, 28, was gunned down outside the property in the Old Swan area of Liverpool just after midnight yesterday. No arrests have been made.

www.dailymail.co.uk

"Council worker Ashley Dale was gunned down outside the property in the Old Swan area of Liverpool shortly after midnight yesterday. No arrests have yet been made.

Merseyside Police believe the property was purposefully targeted, but Miss Dale was not the intended victim. She was treated at the scene but died later in hospital.

Detectives have launched a murder investigation with inquiries being carried out, and a post-mortem examination is due to take place to confirm the cause of death.

Police have appealed for information about a car seen being driven 'erratically' on Prescot Road around the time of the shooting."

• Police were called to the property just at 12.40am on Sunday morning
• She was believed to be home alone at the time
• Type of gun not believed to be a shotgun
• Front door was forced open. Gun discharged indiscriminately

 

[ElizaKate]

Murder victim's car towed away after being found with flat tyres

Ashley Dale was shot dead in the back garden of a house in Old Swan

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

"A car was found with flat tyres outside a house where a woman was shot dead.

Ashley Dale's car was towed away by police after being found with flat tyres on Leinster Road in Old Swan on Sunday, August 21. Detectives investigating the murder confirmed to the ECHO that the car, which was used by Ashley and registered to her family, was seized by officers and will now be probed for any potential evidence.

It's not yet known why the car had flat tyres but police said it will be examined as part of the murder investigation."

 

[ElizaKate]

Woman killed in Liverpool shooting was not intended target, police say

Ashley Dale was "an innocent member of the public" who was "thoughtlessly shot", police say.

www.bbc.co.uk

"Officers said they were looking into possible links to organised crime and whether the shooting was linked to Ms Dale's address, in Leinster Road, or her relationships."

 

[ElizaKate]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-62673228

Two people have been arrested in connection with the killing of Ashley Dale, who was shot in Liverpool and died on Sunday.

One man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and another woman for assisting an offender.

 

[Ched]

From extensive ongoing CCTV enquiries, Detectives know there were people walking close to the scene at the time of the offence. If this was you, please come forward as you may without realising hold vital information to assist this investigation

Two people arrested after fatal shooting of council worker Ashley Dale in Liverpool

The 28-year-old was found with gunshot wounds in her garden in the Old Swan area and was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

news.sky.com

 

[Luwin]

Ashley Dale: Murder arrests over woman shot in back garden

Three men are held on suspicion of murdering 28-year-old Ashley Dale in Liverpool.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[MajorHoople]

Four men arrested over death of council worker shot dead in garden

Ashley Dale, 28, was found with gunshot wounds in her back garden in Old Swan, Liverpool, on August 21. On Wednesday, police said four men had been arrested.

www.dailymail.co.uk

14 September 2022

"Four men have been arrested over the death of a 28-year-old council worker who was found shot dead in the back garden of her home.

Ashley Dale, 28, was found with gunshot wounds in Old Swan, Liverpool, in the early hours of Sunday August 21. She was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later.

Ms Dale, an environmental health officer for Knowsley Council, is not believed to have been the intended target of the killing."

 

[Luwin]

Ashley Dale: Two men in court over fatal back garden shooting

The suspects are charged with the murder of Ashley Dale, who was shot in her back garden in Liverpool.

www.bbc.co.uk

Two men accused of the murder of a woman who was shot in her back garden have appeared in court.
Ashley Dale, 28, was found with a gunshot wound in Old Swan, Liverpool, just before 01:00 BST on 21 August.
The Knowsley Council worker died from her injuries in hospital.
James Witham, 40, of Ashbury Road, Huyton, and Joseph Peers, 28, of Woodlands Road, Roby, also faced charges of possession of a firearm with intent at Liverpool Crown Court.
The suspects, who appeared via videolink from HMP Dovegate, confirmed their names and ages in separate hearings, held one after the other.
No bail applications were made and Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary remanded Mr Witham and Mr Peers in custody.
The defendants are due back in court for a plea hearing on 30 June.
A provisional trial date of 3 October was set, with the case expected to last six to eight weeks.

 

[StillDiggin]

Ian Fitzgibbon, also 28, has been charged with murder after being arrested by the Spanish National Police and then extradited to the UK, Merseyside Police said.

Fitzgibbon, from St Helens, was also charged with conspiracy to murder Lee Harrison, possession of a prohibited weapon (sub-machine gun pistol and ammunition) with intent to endanger life, and conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon (sub-machine gun and ammunition).

He will appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday.

It brings the number of people charged with the murder of Ms Dale to five.

Ashley Dale death: Man charged with council worker's murder after extradition from Spain

Ian Fitzgibbon, 28, has been charged with murder after being arrested by the Spanish National Police and extradited from Spain, Merseyside Police said.

news.sky.com

 

[Alyce]

In crown court today via video link from Manchester.

CPS trying to link him into the trial for the other defendants, due to begin October.

trial set for October 2

Court updates as Ian Fitzgibbon charged over Ashley Dale's murder

Fitzgibbon was extradited back to the UK from Spain last week after being charged with her murder

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

 

[Alyce]

Live updates for anyone following the trial, which begins today

Ashley Dale murder trial as it happens

The 28-year-old was shot dead at her home on Leinster Road in Old Swan

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

 

[Legally Bland]

12:42ELLEN KIRWIN

Day 1 - Monday, October 10​

Good afternoon from Liverpool Crown Court.
We’re in position in courtroom 51 now.
The trial had been listed to begin from 2pm, but the case has been called on slightly earlier.
We will briefly run you through the various parties in the case.
The prosecution is represented by Paul Greaney KC, Alex Langhorn and Holly Menary.
Joseph Peers is defended by Peter Wright KC and Damian Nolan.
Richard Pratt KC and Tom Watson appear for James Witham.
Kallum Radford is represented by Steven Swift and Kyra Badman.
Niall Barry is defended by Stanley Reiz KC and Katy Appleton.
Adam Davis KC and Tim Forte appear for Sean Zeisz.
Ian Fitzgibbon is represented by John Cooper KC and Jamie Baxter.
Mr Justice Goose is presiding over the trial.

Ashley Dale murder trial as it happens

The 28-year-old was shot dead at her home on Leinster Road in Old Swan

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

 

[Legally Bland]

Prosecution

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/paul-greaney-qc-aa27aba5

Alex Langhorn

7hs.co.uk

Holly Menary

7hs.co.uk

Defence for Joseph Peers

Peter Wright KC - 2 Hare Court | London Barristers Chambers

Peter Wright KC is cited by Chambers UK, the Legal 500 and other industry directories as a leading Silk.

www.2harecourt.com

Damian Nolan - Criminal CV - Exchange Chambers

Damian specialises in criminal work, particularly fraud. He mainly acts for the defence but as a Category 4 Prosecutor he also represents the Crown.

www.exchangechambers.co.uk

Defence for James Witham

Richard Pratt KC

7hs.co.uk

Tom Watson - Chavasse Court Chambers

www.chavassecourt.com

Defence for Kallum Radford

Steven Swift - Criminal CV - Exchange Chambers

Steven has extensive experience of preparing and presenting cases at all levels of criminal courts in cases involving murder, sexual offences, and drugs.

www.exchangechambers.co.uk

Kyra Badman - Criminal CV | Exchange Chambers

Kyra prosecutes and defends in a wide range of cases including drugs, violence, sexual offences, dishonesty and proceeds of crime.

www.exchangechambers.co.uk

Defence for Niall Barry

Stan Reiz KC - 2 Bedford Row - Barristers Chambers

Stan Reiz KC is ranked by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as a leader in the practice areas of Fraud and General Crime.

www.2bedfordrow.co.uk

Katy Appleton

7hs.co.uk

Defence for Dean Zeisz

Adam Davis KC - 3TG Barristers Chambers

Adam Davis KC has defended in high-profile cases throughout his career. He has successfully defended in a number of murder cases.

www.3tg.co.uk

Tim Forte - 3TG Barristers Chambers

Tim Forte has a well-established practice in large, complex and serious crime specialising in heavyweight violence, fraud, drugs, terrorism and firearms offending.

www.3tg.co.uk

Defence for Ian Fitzgibbon

Professor John Cooper KC

www.25bedfordrow.com

(Also defended Thomas Cashman.)

Jamie Baxter

7hs.co.uk

Judge

Julian Goose - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Legally Bland]

12:43ELLEN KIRWIN

Judge will begin a process of selecting a jury​

The judge will begin a process of selecting a jury for a panel of 50 potential jurors, who are brought into the courtroom.
Justice Goose tells the jury that they will be required to sit for six to eight weeks.
Eighteen will initially be selected, before 14 - including two reserves - will be sworn in ahead of the opening.
The judge says: “It is vitally important that the jury are independent and have no real knowledge about contested matters in the case. You're going to try the case on the evidence you hear in this case, nowhere else.”

12:54ELLEN KIRWIN

Potential witnesses named​

Mr Greaney first reads the potential jurors the names of the defendants, and that of Ashley Dale.
He then lists the names of 70 “potential witnesses” in the case.

12:55ELLEN KIRWIN

Provisional jury selected​

A provisional jury of two men and 10 women are selected.
An initial six reserves, five men and one woman, are also called.
Justice Goose says: “Thank you to each of you that have come forward and for taking part in the process. We’ve now selected the 18 we wish to take forward. You’ll be given other work to do. Can I thank you all. You’re all now released to go to another court.”

12:59ELLEN KIRWIN

Judge warns jury "you mustn't carry out any research"​

Justice Goose addresses the 18: "Thank you for coming forward and also, at the moment, you are part of the panel from whom we will select the jury to work in this trial.
"Because it’s a trial of the length it is, it’s always best I give you a chance to have a think about your arrangements.
"Tomorrow, should it be necessary, you can raise those things. You know nothing about this trial. You won’t hear anything more about it until tomorrow.”
The judge asks the potential jurors to return at 12pm on Tuesday.
He adds: “You mustn't carry out any research. Equally, you mustn't speak to anyone about the case. Don’t make any enquiries, don’t ask about anyone else, come back tomorrow with the same level of knowledge that you have now.”
The trial is adjourned until 2pm.

Ashley Dale murder trial as it happens

The 28-year-old was shot dead at her home on Leinster Road in Old Swan

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

 

[Legally Bland]

14:12DANIEL WINDHAM

Judge enters​

The judge enters.
Counsel are discussing legal matters.

15:13ABIGAIL NICHOLSON

Fitzgibbon pleads not guilty​

Fitzgibbon is asked to stand.
The court clerk puts the charges to him.
Wearing a black jumper over a white shirt and a black tie, he pleads not guilty to the charge of murdering Ashley Dale.
Fitzgibbon also denies conspiracy to murder Lee Harrison and conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Ashley Dale murder trial as it happens

The 28-year-old was shot dead at her home on Leinster Road in Old Swan

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

 

[Alyce]

Good morning​

We're in Liverpool Crown Court where the trial of six men in connection with the murder of Ashley Dale is due to begin.

Crown Court reporter Adam Everett will be in courtroom 5:1 and Crime Reporter Jonathan Humphries will be in the media annexe in courtroom 3:4 where the case is being livestreamed.

We will be bringing you live updates throughtout the trial.

We are expecting some legal and administrative matters to be dealt with in the absence of the jury this morning.

Ashley Dale murder trial as it happens

The 28-year-old was shot dead at her home on Leinster Road in Old Swan

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

 

[Alyce]

Four potential jurors excused​

Mr Justice Goose addresses the panel: “I’m sorry you’ve been kept waiting longer than I thought. It’s necessary that I deal with matters of law as they happen.

“Thank you to each of those who submitted further information about difficulties about sitting on the jury. I am sympathetic.
“Having read all of those, doing the best I can to make sure those who really can’t sit don’t have to, my decisions are as follows.”

Justice Goose excuses four of the 18 who were selected yesterday.

That leaves a jury of five men and seven women plus two reserves, one man and one woman.

The judge tells the excused panel members: “Thank you very much for the patience you’ve shown. You will be given other duties in other courts, but thank you very much indeed.”

Ashley Dale murder trial as it happens

The 28-year-old was shot dead at her home on Leinster Road in Old Swan

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

 

[Luwin]

4 is quite high to be excused isn't it?

 

[Legally Bland]

14:38JONATHAN HUMPHRIES

Jurors sworn in​

Justice Goose: “We have 14 because it is necessary in longer trials that we have two spare jurors in case the need arises.
“You are shadow jurors, but you are part of the jury.”
The judge asks for the jury to be sworn.
The defendants are asked to stand and are ready the names of the jurors.
The jury are asked to stand, and are sworn in one by one.
They are told that five of the defendants are charged with the murder of Ashley Dale, conspiracy to murder Lee Harrison and conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon, namely a Skorpion submachine gun, and ammunition with intent to endanger life.
The sixth defendant, Kallum Radford, who is not facing murder charges, is charged with a single count of assisting an offender after allegedly taking possession of a Hyundai i30 vehicle and arranging for it to be stored at an address on behalf of Peers and Zeisz.
The jury are told that the defendants have each pleaded not guilty to these charges.

14:43JONATHAN HUMPHRIES

Guidance to the jury​

Justice Goose: “You have been sworn or affirmed to try these defendants.
“Each one of you has promised you will only consider the evidence.
“You must not speak to anyone about this case outside this court.
“You are here to try the case on the evidence and the evidence alone.
“If anyone were to approach you, you must bring that to the attention of the court as soon as possible.
“During the course of the trial it’s possible, although it’s again very unusual, that you might have concerns about your arrangements or even amongst your number.
“If that arises, please let the court staff know - don’t harbour it, don’t keep quiet about it.”

14:48JONATHAN HUMPHRIES

Jury note​

Justice Goose continues: "The normal thing now would be going to the prosecution opening, but we can’t do that at the moment. We have more matters of law to deal with.”
Justice Goose asks the jury to return at 10.30am on Thursday.
A member of the jury has a note for the judge.
The judge tells her: “It’s not unusual in the trial from people might come from an area that might be referred to. If that happens, it’s not a problem at all. That is perfectly proper and alright. As you also mention, even if somebody recognised somebody that’s not in the dock it doesn’t matter.”

Ashley Dale murder trial as it happens

The 28-year-old was shot dead at her home on Leinster Road in Old Swan

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

 

[bobbymkii]

Pros won't open until Thursday. Because of rail strikes maybe?