Court hears of shopping trip by Moat 'accomplice'

AN ALLEGED accomplice of Raoul Moat was branded a liar as jurors heard of a bizarre shopping list ordered by the killer just hours after blinding an unarmed Police Constable.

Moat barbecued burgers and sausages the morning after shooting Northumbria Police traffic officer David Rathband. The groceries were bought during a shopping trip for provisions by two men alleged to have helped the 37-year-old during his week-long rampage in July last year.

Karl Ness and Qhuram Awan claim they were held hostage by the former bodybuilder and were in fear for their lives. But a prosecutor rubbished the claim, and said the men's willingness to run errands and eat with the killer revealed their true state of mind.

Ness, 26, told Newcastle Crown Court he ate "a couple of burgers" barbecued at Moat's woodland hideout just hours after the steroid addict shot PC David Rathband in the face.

Prosecutor Robert Smith, QC, said to Ness: "You knew PC Rathband had been shot that morning. How was your appetite? How were you feeling at the time?"

Ness replied: "It wasn't the greatest. I was scared."

Mr Smith said: "But not too scared to eat your meal. You are a liar, Mr Ness, aren't you?"

"No," Ness replied.

The men had been sent by Moat with "a wad" of money to buy five litres of water, Strongbow cider, quarter pounders, sausages, portable barbecues, 24 white bread rolls, ice cream and a bottle of Reggae Reggae sauce.

Moat also ordered toilet tissue, toothbrushes, fuel, pens, soap, shaving gel, pillows, a duvet, and sleeping bags.

Both defendants deny conspiracy to murder, the attempted murder of PC Rathband, a firearms offence and robbery of a Northumberland fish and chip shop. Ness also denies murdering Chris Brown, the partner of Moat's ex-girlfriend. The trial continues today.