April 12th 2024.
Benjamin Atkins, 49, and Debbie Pereira, 39, are currently on trial for the murder of their friend, Simon Shotton. The 48-year-old's dismembered legs were found on a footpath in Boscombe seafront in August 2023. It is alleged that Atkins told Pereira, his girlfriend, that he would do it again if he was ever released. The court heard that the couple had been secretly recorded in a police van boasting about the crime after they were arrested.
According to the prosecution, a member of the public discovered a package containing a human foot wrapped in masking tape on a cliffside footpath. This led to the police finding another package with a second leg, which was later confirmed to belong to Mr. Shotton through DNA testing. The pathologist who examined the legs stated that they were not removed surgically, but rather by an amateur.
It was later revealed that Mr. Shotton had recently been released from jail for drug-related charges and had moved to Bournemouth. His mobile phone was traced to a shop in Boscombe, where it was sold to them by Pereira. When the police searched the couple's home, they found Atkins hiding in the garden behind a wheelbarrow. Further searches of the garden uncovered two black bin bags containing Mr. Shotton's severed arms.
In her police interview, Pereira claimed that Mr. Shotton had visited their flat to take drugs, but she denied knowing about his death. She did admit that he had stayed in a tent in their garden and that Atkins had been burning things, including his own shoes, in the fire pit. Pereira also mentioned that Atkins had bought large black bin liners, bleach, and silver tape.
During their ride to a court hearing, the couple was recorded on a listening device discussing the dismembered body parts. Pereira asked Atkins if he had hidden the legs, to which he replied with a laugh, saying that he had gotten rid of the arms in the garden. When Pereira asked if he had any regrets, Atkins chillingly responded that he would do it again and again if given the chance. He also made disturbing comments about drug dealers and pushers.
In her interview, Pereira claimed that she had asked Atkins if he had killed Mr. Shotton, and he had admitted to it. She also mentioned that he had said that God had told him to do it, although this was not captured on the recording. Pereira claimed that Atkins and Mr. Shotton had argued about drugs, as the deceased had not supplied enough for them to allow him to stay at their home.
The trial continues.
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