Gerald Corrigan Murder: Jury Returns Guilty Verdict

Gerald Corrigan Murder: Jury Returns Guilty Verdict


Friday 29th Mar 2024


Gerald Corrigan Murder: Jury Returns Guilty Verdict

Following a five week long trial, the jury at Mold Crown Court have today delivered guilty verdicts in relation to the murder of Gerald Corrigan.

Terence Michael Whall was found guilty of murder, and Gavin Jones was convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice / arson of a motor vehicle.

Darren Dennis Jones and Martin Wayne Roberts had already pleaded guilty to arson of a motor vehicle. All four will be sentenced on Friday.

Speaking after the verdicts, Detective Chief Inspector Brian Kearney said: "Firstly I would like to thank the jury for their thorough consideration of this complex murder case over the last five weeks.

Secondly I would like to thank the court officials, including the security team over the last five weeks.

Early on Good Friday morning, the 19th of April last year, Gerald Corrigan was the victim of a barbaric medieval style execution in one of the safest parts of the UK.

Gerald, a pensioner, lived in a tranquil and remote location, with his disabled partner. He was entirely innocent.

Despite his horrendous injuries, Gerald courageously fought for his life for over three weeks supported by the brilliant NHS medical teams. Sadly his death was inevitable as his injuries were so horrific.

His family, Marie his partner, Neale and Fiona, his son and daughter remain too traumatised to speak to the media. Their complete support has been a source of enormous strength for me and the investigation team – We remain extremely grateful to them.

Terence Whall believed he had planned and committed the perfect murder. There was no forensic evidence, no direct eye witness evidence to the shooting and  in fact no one saw him going to and from the scene. This was a case based on circumstantial evidence.

However, this case has been solved by you, our community.  We have received brilliant help from witnesses.

A combination of local people, holiday makers, experts and businesses provided us, your police service with the evidence needed.

In such a cold blooded killing, I understand some individuals initial reluctance, but I am eternally grateful to all who had the courage to come forward thereby protecting our community.

In the modern era, we solve crime together with you. I am also grateful to the press for  supporting appeals for information.

The evidence placed before the court showed that Terence Whall: -

-         Ordered various crossbow bolts and hunting broadheads from early March onwards in preparation for this murder

-         Practised shooting into a punchbag at close range at his home address

-         Purchased a high powered crossbow on the 11th of April 2019 intending to use this to kill Gerald

-         Did a reconnaissance trip to the victim’s address on the night of the 17th of April.

-         Concealed his Landrover Discovery near Porthdafarch Beach and in the dead of night, walked the remote coastal path to the victim’s address  

-         He then interfered with the victim’s Sky Satellite Dish at ground level outside Gerald’s home

-         Having interrupted his Satellite dish, he lay in wait

-         When Gerald Corrigan tried to mend his Satellite dish, Whall shot him with a high powered crossbow.

-         The 20 inch crossbow bolt used had a razor sharp hunting attachment…such attachments are used to kill large animals in countries where such hunting is allowed…

 In short, this was a planned, premeditated execution from a cold blooded killer. A killer who showed no remorse throughout the trial.

I would like to thank all those who supported the investigation. The jury has heard from some of them, but in such a large enquiry with numerous statements, crime scenes, exhibits and 5500 plus documents there are truly too many to thank.

I would like to thank our legal team, Peter Rouch QC, Anna Pope, Barrister, and partners including the team at our local Crown Prosecution Service, Anglesey County Council and the Probation Service with whom we have an excellent ongoing relationship.

The complexity of this enquiry cannot be understated.

What is clear is that whilst the exact motive is unknown, as outlined by Peter Rouch QC “is that someone wanted Gerald Corrigan killed.

This is clearly in the wider context that the victim was a source or potential source of grief to local criminality.

I would like to thank the investigation team and 300 plus other officers and police staff who supported this enquiry.

I fully appreciate their professionalism and the support of their families throughout the countless long shifts.

To conclude, North Wales remains one of the safest places in the UK….I want to reassure our community – murders in North Wales are rare and our commitment is clear - We will relentless pursue anyone who causes serious harm in our community."