Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ex-soldier 'hired to frighten relative'

Will Bennett
Thursday 10 March 1994 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A MAN accused of plotting to have his wife murdered by a hitman said yesterday that the target had been a woman relative who he wanted to frighten, writes Will Bennett.

Stanley Adams, the man who exposed illegal price fixing by the Hoffman-La Roche drugs company, told Bristol Crown Court that he and his wife, Deborah, had been in dispute with her brother and sister-in-law over an inheritance.

Mrs Adams had been cut out of her parents' will when she married him and the couple were trying to persuade her brother, Charles Shepherd, to sign a document promising them pounds 150,000. Mr Adams blamed his refusal on the influence of his wife, Jennifer.

He said he contacted Tony Cox, a former soldier, because he wanted to frighten Mrs Shepherd as an act of revenge. He added: 'In my opinion she was the one hindering Deborah's rightful inheritance.'

Mr Adams, 66, of Chilthorne Domer, near Yeovil, Somerset, denies soliciting Mr Cox to murder his wife. He was arrested last year after a meeting with Mr Cox who had told police about the plan.

The prosecution claims Mr Adams wanted Mr Cox to kill his wife so that he could claim pounds 500,000 life insurance. He had doubled the sum payable on her death without telling her about most of the policies.

Mr Adams told the court he wanted to find someone who would frighten Mrs Shepherd, but denied planning to have her killed, kidnapped or beaten up. He said he decided to abandon the plan, but did not tell Mr Cox because he was scared he might shoot him.

The case continues.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in