Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Alibi given in murder case 'false'

Rachel Borrill
Wednesday 15 July 1992 23:02 BST
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 FRIEND of two women accused of murdering a bank clerk gave them a false alibi because she 'trusted' them, the Old Bailey was told yesterday.

Jeanette Tapp, 26, a hospital assistant, admitted she told police that Michelle and Lisa Taylor were in her room when Alison Shaughnessy was killed at about 5.45pm on 3 June last year. 'I believed and trusted them because they were good friends,' she said.

Michelle Taylor, 21, and her sister Lisa, 18, of Kemble Road, Forest Hill, south-east London, both deny murder. Mrs Shaughnessy, 21, of Vardens Road, Battersea, south-west London had been stabbed 54 times.

Miss Tapp told the court that on the day of the murder she went shopping and visited her mother. When she returned to her room at the Churchill clinic, in Lambeth, south London, Lisa was waiting.

Both sisters claim that they were waiting for Miss Tapp in her room at 5pm.

Four days after the murder Miss Tapp made two statements to police that they had all spent the afternoon in her room.

A month later Miss Tapp was arrested for conspiring to murder Mrs Shaughnessy and immediately withdrew the statements.

The trial continues today.

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