A SOLICITOR who defended his fiance’s younger brother – convicted killer Joshua Spruce – faces investigation into a claim made by a witness in the murder trial.
It was alleged Will Hurley of solicitors Moss Haselhurst had sent advice to a key witness, via an intermediary, not to disclose details of a conversation she had overheard on the night Jock Straiton was murdered.
Michelle Wilkinson is a close friend of the Spruce family and has lived next door to them in Alderley Road, Winnington, for 20 years.
She told the jury she had been told by her mother, who works with Mr Hurley at Moss Haselhurst, to keep evidence which would incriminate Spruce to herself – on his request.
The 27-year-old witness had earlier told the trial she overheard Spruce tell someone on the phone – later revealed to be Paul Blower – he had battered Mr Straiton in Park Road.
Mr Hurley lives with Spruce’s sister Emma, a trainee solicitor with Moss Haselhurst, in Bannister Grove, Winsford. Sharron Spruce, Emma’s mother, also works for the law firm.
After the verdicts last week, a Cheshire Constabulary spokeswoman said Mr Hurley would be investigated over the claim.
A statement by the force said: “During the course of the trial sworn evidence was given by a witness which raised concerns regarding advice provided by a local solicitor to another witness.
“Following the conclusion of the trial, it is now appropriate for police enquiries to be made into the circumstances surrounding the witness’s comments.”
Mr Hurley, who was once on the books at Witton Albion, declined to comment when contacted by The Chronicle.
