Ligus knew murder confessions were recorded, court told
A Shropshire man knew he was being recorded when he confessed to a string of murders, a speech expert who analysed the tapes, told a court today. A Shropshire man knew he was being recorded when he confessed to a string of murders, a speech expert who analysed the tapes, told a court today. Professor John French analysed two tapes featuring Robin Ligus making the admissions to a prison mate. Birmingham Crown Court heard Ligus confessed to the murders on an audio tape recording made by his prison friend Anthony Murray. Ligus, formerly of Shrewsbury, is standing trial for killing Trevor Bradley, Brian Coles and Bernard Czyzewska, who all died in 1994. He is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of pensioner Robert Young but has been ruled unfit to plead to the charges. The trial continues.
Mr Murray made the tapes on his solicitor's advice while both men were serving time at HM Prison Gartree in the late 1990s.
But he was asked to make a second tape of Ligus's confessions because of the poor quality of the first recording.
Prof French the second tape which displayed "wooden" conversation suggesting Ligus knew he was being recorded.
He said: "In terms of content, intonation and rhythm of speech both people knew what was going to be talked about."
Prof French added that the recording showed signs of being paused at intervals in the conversation. However, speaking about the first tape he said: "There is no obvious sign in the way Ligus delivers answers that he is aware he is being recorded."
Earlier Ms Rachel Brand, prosecuting, told the court the circumstances in which the conversations were made were a central issue.
She said Mr Murray, who was serving a lengthy sentence for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, had a "hold" over Ligus. The trial continues.
