TV report on woods killing led to tip-off

THE BOYFRIEND of a girl whose father is accused of murder called the police with information on the crime using a disguised voice, the Old Bailey was told yesterday, writes Rhys Williams.

Martin Hughes told the court that while watching an episode of Crime Monthly reconstructing the murder of Robert Wignall, he recognised the voice of the man's widow, Sandra Wignall, as that of the lover of his housemate, Terence Bewley.

Using a disguised voice, Mr Hughes arranged to meet Superintendent Pat Crossan, who was leading the investigation, in a pub. But instead of seeing Supt Crossan, Mr Hughes called to say that he had been present at the murder. Asked why by Timothy Langdale QC, for the prosecution, he said: 'Basically, so Mr Crossan would take me seriously.'

It is alleged that Mrs Wignall lured her husband into woodland on the pretext of feeding foxes. There he was stabbed three times, twice in the heart, and beaten about the head by Mr Bewley and a friend, Harold Moult. All three deny murder last September.

The trial continues tomorrow.