A Shropshire man made a false murder confession to be the “big boy” in prison, a court heard.

The brother-in-law of triple murder suspect Robin Ligus told police in an interview they were being “led up the garden path”.

Nigel Humphries, who is married to Ligus’ sister Wendy, gave evidence at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday, claiming Ligus wanted to improve his reputation in prison.

He agreed with a statement he made to police in 2008 saying 5ft 6in Ligus was a complete mismatch for the former 6ft bouncer Bernard Czyzewska, whom he is alleged to have killed.

The 36-year-old’s body was found in the River Severn on November 30, 1994.

The court had previously heard that Ligus confessed to hitting Mr Czyzewska’s head against a railing before throwing him into the water.

However, Mr Humphries told police that Ligus was making the story up to better his reputation in prison.

Ligus is charged with the murders of Mr Czyzewska, Brian Coles and Trevor Bradley but has been ruled unfit to plead following a review.

He is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of pensioner Robert Young.

Mr Humphries said: “I couldn’t believe it. He (Czyzewska) would not be the type of bloke you would want to meet in a dark alley.

“I couldn’t see anyone killing Bernard because he was a big lad. I think Robin was trying to be the ‘big boy’ in prison.”

Ms Rachel Brand, QC, defending, read out parts of Mr Humphries’ 2008 statement saying he told police that Mr Czyzewska was a powerful man who did weightlifting. Ms Brand told the court that Mr Humphries suggested to police that Ligus was “taking them for a ride”.

The court also heard from a friend of Robin Ligus who told of how the alleged serial killer was watching a neighbour. Steven Larter said Ligus said he was considering burgling a bungalow in Glenburn Gardens, Monkmoor, Shrewsbury. He said: “He was watching their movements. He often talked like that and he told me over a cup of tea.”

The trial continues.

By Sam Pinnington