Chesterfield pensioner murder trial told Graham Snell's 'nephew' had accessed his bank accounts and was stealing his money

The jury in the murder retrial of a Chesterfield pensioner has heard from a bank worker who first encouraged the 71-year-old to report his ‘nephew’ for stealing money from his bank account.
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The prosecution claim Daniel Walsh murdered Graham Snell and then caught a taxi to DIY stores to buy two handsaws which he used to dismember him.

They say Walsh, who denies murder, then buried his arms, head and legs in woodland in Chesterfield.

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He then went on to spend money the prosecution say he stole from his alleged victim at a casino and a massage parlour.

Daniel Walsh is accused of murdering and dismembering Chesterfield pensioner Graham SnellDaniel Walsh is accused of murdering and dismembering Chesterfield pensioner Graham Snell
Daniel Walsh is accused of murdering and dismembering Chesterfield pensioner Graham Snell

In today’s proceedings, it was claimed that Walsh, who was also referred to as Mr Snell’s nephew, had made a series of frantic phone calls to the victim after he discovered the 30-year-old had accessed his bank accounts and was spending his money.

Giving evidence, Halifax employee Anthony Simpkin said Mr Snell’s mobile had been ringing repeatedly while he was in the queue, and rang a further seven times while they were dealing with the fraud team.

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He said: “We told him we would not be able to refund the money unless he reported the matter to the police, which he agreed to do.

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“As part of the process I noticed that his online banking had been set up, and that took him very much by surprise. The system showed me when it had been established - I don’t remember the specific time but it had been very recently. I could see the mobile number that was ringing on his phone and it was the same one, and it was the same as the one we had recorded as his contact number.

“He seemed quite nervous, but he was very aware of the situation. He said it was his nephew, but didn’t give his name at that point - he said he was staying with him but wouldn’t be for much longer. He said that his nephew who he wanted to report for fraud.

“Some of the calls were terminated - I advised him not to answer while we were on the phone to the fraud department, but a couple of times he did answer the phone. He said he was in the bank and he was going to be speaking to the fraud squad, and I then advised him to go straight to the police station in Chesterfield.”

The jury was also shown video evidence of the woodland where many of Mr Snell’s remains were found, and police also confirmed that they had gone to his Marsden Street - where Walsh had also been living at the time he made the complaint on June 19 last year - and left a note when he didn’t answer the following morning.

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Speaking earlier, prosecutor Peter Joyce QC said: “By that time, 9.30am on June 20, Graham Snell was dead and it is the prosecution’s case that he had been killed by Mr Walsh about whom he had made the complaint.”

The trial continues.

Editor’s message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.