By David James Wales News Service
A jury in the trial of a husband accused of plotting to hire a hitman to kill his wife has retired today to consider its verdicts. Paul Lewis, 54, paid 拢1,500 to neighbour Dominique Saunders, 35 to allegedly arrange the killing of his estranged wife after they broke up. The two Swansea men are accused of conspiracy to murder Joanne Atkinson-Lewis but have denied the charges at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court. Prosecutors say bank records show Lewis withdrew 拢1,500 hours before Saunders deposited 拢1,300 into his own account. Tata Steel worker Lewis allegedly believed he had paid to “put a hit” on Joanne – but was stunned when he saw her “still breathing” at Aberavon beach. Lewis’ barrister, John Hipkin KC, said the grandfather was “vulnerable” due to poor mental health and had been scammed by his neighbour. Mr Hipkin said Saunders had “simply pushed off to Benidorm with the money”. Saunders’ own barrister John Harrison KC said Saunders never had any intention for Joanne to be harmed. He said all he did was to “make some internet searches and go on holiday to Benidorm”. Prosecutor William Hughes KC said an investigation was launched after Lewis confessed he had “put a hit” on his ex to his son. Mr Hughes said: “During a conversation Mr Lewis accepted that he entered into an agreement with Mr Saunders to arrange for his ex-wife to be killed. “Kieran Lewis asked his father: ‘Have you put a hit out on Joanne?’ “Mr Lewis apparently broke down crying and nodded at his son acknowledging that he had made such an agreement.” Son Kieran called police who uncovered the alleged hitman plot in messages between the two men who lived in the same block of flats in Swansea. Mr Hughes said the messages revealed: “Mr Lewis entered into an agreement in which he paid Mr Saunders 拢1,500 which the prosecution say was a fee to arrange for the killing of Joanne Atkinson-Lewis.” Mr Hughes said financial information showed Lewis withdrew 拢1,500 from his bank in Swansea and on the same day Saunders deposited a sum of 拢1,300 into his own account. The two men, both of Swansea, deny conspiracy to commit murder, and one cannot be found guilty without the other. Neither chose to give evidence in their defence. The trial before judge Mr Justice Nicklin continues at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.