TONY SINGH TRIAL: No comebacks feared over drug deal rip-off (From South Wales Argus)

TONY SINGH TRIAL: No comebacks feared over drug deal rip-off

2:20pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in News

A WITNESS told a jury he believed there would be no repercussions from ripping off a man accused of murder in a drug deal.

Carlos Ross, 18, was giving evidence yesterday at Cardiff Crown Court where Karl Drummond, 37, of Attlee Court, George Glover, 40, of Graham Court and Shahid Rafiq, 37, of Bryn-yr-Ysgol, all Caerphilly, are on trial accused of murdering and conspiring to rob Newport dad Tony Singh, on November 11, 2010.

They deny the charges.

Mr Ross said on November 11, Rafiq, who he knew as ‘Shy’, called him to say he wanted £100 worth of heroin.

He told Rafiq he had some and the pair agreed to meet behind shops in Maesglas.

Mr Ross told the court what he handed over was, in fact, beef powder he had brought from his house, wrapped in cling film, as he did not have any heroin.

“I passed it over, he gave me the money and he left,”

explained Mr Ross, who said it would be obvious when the packet was opened that Rafiq had been duped.

When questioned by Rafiq’s counsel, Ian Murphy, Mr Ross agreed he was not worried about ripping Rafiq off and was not expecting any repercussions, and the worst he thought would happen was he would have to pay Rafiq back.

The court heard later Rafiq came to the Ross’ home and spoke to his mother about the money, which Mr Ross had already spent.

His brother Christopher Ross, 26, also gave evidence yesterday, and told the jury he sold cannabis to Rafiq the same day.

The jury saw phone records showing the pair had been in contact several times.

Christopher Ross said Rafiq wanted heroin and he put him in touch with those who could help.

Mr Murphy suggested Christopher told his brother to sell Rafiq some “rubbish”

instead of heroin, which he denied.

Proceeding.