In a dramatic turn of events at Woolwich Crown Court, a man accused of involvement in a fatal shooting outside a house party vehemently denied murder charges, asserting, “I’m a drug dealer, not a murderer.”
The trial centres on the tragic death of Robert Powell, 50, who was shot seven times as he left a house party in Roydon, near Harlow in Essex, in June 2020. Israar Shah, 39, and Nana Oppong, 43, are both on trial and have pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
Israar Shah took the stand to testify, revealing that he was in the area at the time of the shooting solely to sell drugs and enjoy the night. He described how the house party had concluded by the time he arrived, with guests spilling out onto the road.
During cross-examination, the prosecution presented CCTV footage showing Shah manoeuvring his Toyota Prius “forwards and backwards.” Justin Rouse KC, for the prosecution, suggested that Shah had a clear view of Robert Powell coming out of the party, to which Shah denied having such a view, emphasizing that he heard gunshots and promptly left the scene.
Maintaining his innocence, Shah proclaimed, “I’m an innocent man here, you’ve got me on trial for murder. I am not involved in this murder.”
The court has heard harrowing details of Powell’s death, including sustaining 15 bullet wounds, with some inflicted by the same bullet passing through his body. The incident occurred around 4.45am on June 13, 2020, in Water Lane.
Alongside murder charges, both Shah and Oppong are accused of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. Additionally, Oppong faces charges of wounding with intent, relating to an injured bystander, and possession of a prohibited weapon.
As the trial progresses, the court remains focused on unravelling the events leading to Powell’s tragic demise. The jury continues to deliberate on the evidence presented, with further proceedings expected in the coming days.
