Suspect killer's trial told girlfriend's claims 'fantasy'

A MURDER suspect branded his girlfriend''s statements to the police "a complete fantasy"when he was quizzed about the contract killing of a former gay lover.

Car dealer Christopher Hartley, 45, was blasted in the head and chest with a shotgun on a quiet country road near Clayton West, Huddersfield, last September The prosecution has alleged that his ex-lover David Large, 35, and his friend 39-year-old Simon Mullen set up a bogus drugs deal to lure him to the secluded spot.

A jury at Bradford Crown Court has heard that Mr Hartley, of Haigh Wood Lodge, Batley Road, TIngley, was infatutated with Large and their relationship reached a crisis point after Large began another relationship with Netherton woman Dawn Mallinson.

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The prosecution alleges that Large wanted Mr Hartley killed so he could continue his relationship with Miss Mallinson and that Mullen was paid to be the gunman.

Miss Mallinson is set to be a witness for the prosecution during the five-week trial, but yesterday the jury heard extracts from Large's interviews with the police after the murder.

During his first interview, when he was being treated as a potential witness, Large, of Rota Croft, Rothwell, explained how he had been buying and selling cars with Mr Hartley since 1994.

Large and Mullen both deny the murder charge.

The trial continues.

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