EVENTS at the Darnley Road murder trial took a dramatic twist today (Friday) after a witness refused to continue giving evidence, as they claimed they feared for their life.
Priscilla Scamp, 18, Centurion Way, Purfleet is on trial for the murder of Daniel Thomas, known as Dave, in April, the body being discovered on May 14th.
Mr Bulent Selen from Purfleet had been called to give evidence.
Prosecuting counsel David Holborn asked a frail-looking Mr Selen how he had met Priscilla Scamp.
He told the court that he had known her as Christine.
He said: “She used to stand outside the shops near to Purfleet railway station, asking for money from strangers.
“I gave her £1 quite often. Then I asked her if she wanted a cleaning job at my house. My son is disabled and so am I”.
Mr Selen then informed the court that he would not repeat what else was in his written statement that he had given last year.
Mr Selen was “encouraged” by Judge Gratwicke to continue stating that “Everyone in the court room are mature adults”.
However, Mr Selen became agitated and refused to go on.
He said: “My life has been jeopardised. Someone came to my house last Friday.”
The jury was ushered out and Mr Selen was allowed to leave the witness box. He returned shortly after and resumed giving evidence.
Mr Selen informed the jury at Chelmsford Crown Court that he had paid Scamp for sex on several occasions.
He said: “She intially did some cleaning. Then she was in my kitchen and feeling my leg.
“Things went on. She said it would be £10 for oral sex.”
Mr Selen told the court that this happened several times.
Prosecuting counsel, David Holborn QC asked him, when was the last time he saw Scamp.
He said: “There was a theft in my house. My phone and play station were stolen. I never saw her since.”
Scamp denies the charges.
The case continues.
