A MAN who is on trial for shooting a dad-of-seven to death said that he fired the gun – but only did so in self defence.

Levi Draper, 27, denies murdering Hugh Doherty, attempting to murder Hugh’s sister Esther Doherty, wounding with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life on April 16 at Willow Farm, in Cranfield Park Avenue, Wickford.

Frank O’Toole, Draper’s defence attorney, insisted his client has never denied firing the shot, but was only acting in self-defence after feeling under attack from both Hugh and Esther Doherty.

He claimed that the pair had gone to his home in Cranfield Park Avenue with violence in mind.

As well as telling the jury at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday there were a number of holes in witness statements, Mr O’Toole suggested that Esther Doherty had instructed her children what to tell police to ensure a guilty verdict for Draper.

Mr O’Toole said: “In this case, we have the most important question, how many times did Levi Draper fire the shotgun?

“If he fired it twice, you may think this claim of self defence is unjust.

“If he fired once, you may think it is credible. But what is the evidence? Levi Draper has always said he fired once.

“In evidence, Stephen Hunt (a neighbour) almost categorically said there was only one shot.

“Ballistic evidence is in agreement.

“You may submit there was only one fire, as he has always said, but if only one shot was fired, why are so many saying under oath there were shots fired?

“We suggest that these two older witnesses persuaded the younger girls to say that was so.

“We can only conclude, that following the horrible events, they wanted to see Levi Draper convicted of murder.”

Draper’s partner, Harriet Crittenden, 25, also known as Sherri-Ann, is charged with the attempted murder of Esther Doherty, wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

She denies the charges.

Kevin Metzger, Crittenden’s defence attorney, questioned how Crittenden could be considered the aggressor when Esther Doherty had arrived at Crittenden’s front door.

He suggested that the weapon that Esther claims Crittenden used did not exist.

Mr Metzger said: “The weapon that Esther says Sheri-Ann used was described as blue with swords on both sides with a rubber handle. If this was the weapon that was used, where is it? Or is it just a figment of Esther Doherty’s imagination?” The trial continues