A jury in the trial of a husband accused of plotting with a neighbour to hire a hitman to murder his estranged wife has been discharged following detailed legal discussions. Paul Lewis and Dominique Saunders were alleged to have conspired to kill Lewis’ former partner by engaging a “hitman.” The Swansea Crown Court jury was discharged on Tuesday morning, and a retrial date will now be sought. Judge Geraint Walters expressed gratitude to the jurors for their patience and service in the case.
The prosecution claimed that Lewis had paid Saunders £1,500 to arrange for a hitman to murder his estranged wife, Joanne Atkinson-Lewis. Despite no such act taking place, the alleged agreement was considered the offence. Both Paul Lewis, 54, and Dominique Saunders, 34, of Swansea Marina, denied the accusations.
Judge Geraint Walters thanked the jury for their service and attentiveness. The court heard that Lewis had allegedly conspired with Saunders to facilitate the murder of his estranged wife. Following the discharge of the jury, a new trial date will be scheduled to proceed with the case. The accusations were firmly rejected by both defendants as they denied any involvement in the alleged plot.
The case at Swansea Crown Court highlighted the alleged conspiracy between the husband and his neighbour to orchestrate the murder of Lewis’ estranged wife. The agreement was said to involve a financial exchange to hire a hitman for the sinister act, which was never carried out. The discharge of the jury marked a pause in the proceedings, awaiting a retrial date to continue the legal process.
Both defendants remained firm in their denial of the accusations, maintaining their innocence in the alleged murder plot. As the legal discussions ensued in the courtroom, the jurors were relieved of their duties, with Judge Geraint Walters acknowledging their commitment and service throughout the case. The discharged jury left with the expectation of resuming the trial at a later date to further examine the complex allegations.