Accused murderer Barry George told police he did n
Accused murderer Barry George told police he did not know who Jill Dando was and had never met her, the Old Bailey heard today.
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He lied about his movements on the day of the killing and claimed he had never owned a gun before, it is alleged.
George, 41, also admitted he suffered from a ‘mild personality disorder’.
He denies shooting dead the former Crimewatch UK host on the doorstep of her Fulham home, on April 26, 1999 and claims he was nowhere near her home at the time.
Police called at George’s nearby home in Crookham Road on seven occasions in connection with the TV presenter’s killing, but each time he did not answer the door.
The court heard how he was eventually tracked down in the street and asked to make a statement.
Because he suffers epilepsy, he was driven to a relative’s home – his mother’s – to make his statement.
On route to her home in Acton, west London, he told detective constable John Gallagher he had seen a Range Rover near to Jill’s home on the afternoon of the murder.
DC Gallagher told jurors: ‘He said he had reported it to the police.
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George’s statement was then read to the court: ‘For about one year until October 1999 I used the name Barry Bulsara.
‘At that time, according to my doctor, I was suffering from a mild personality disorder which I never accepted at the time.
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In his statement he went on to explain his movements on the day of the killing including visiting a disability drop-in centre, a cab office and a cancer help group.
He said he either wore a dark suit with a white shirt and red tie, or jeans, a t-shirt and trainers.
He claimed he was at home until around 12.
30pm – one hour after the BBC presenter was shot as she returned to her home in Gowan Avenue to collect mail.
He went on: ‘I never knew Jill Dando or did not know where she lived.
I have never tried to contact her by any means.
‘I have never owner a firearm but joined the Territorial Army Parachute Regiment briefly – I didn’t recall any training with live ammunition.
‘I didn’t go anywhere near Miss Dando’s house on that day and have no information.
I can only add, it came as a shock when I heard of her death.
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George denies murdering Jill, 37, and the trial continues.
ends
addeny.
